Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians, 

Today we are writing to inform you of some important updates for the month of March. 

ACADEMIC SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

GUHSD schools are proud to offer various opportunities for students to improve academic performance. 

TEACHER ASSISTANCE

Our teachers are available before and after school as well as during EOP/Late Start Wednesdays to help individual students. Students can come in for tutoring, testing and for extra help with assignments. 

LEARNING CENTERS

Each school has a resource center and computer lab designed to provide homework assistance and tutoring services for all students. Students are able to receive additional support needed to be successful and earn credits toward graduation. The labs are equipped with computers and printers, and access to wifi. The Title I Learning Centers are open before and after school.

EXTENDED MEDIA CENTER HOURS

All nine GUHSD high school offers extended media center hours for students to study, receive academic support, and engage in other activities in a safe environment. Media center hours are extended until 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with hours varying on Saturdays.

Please contact the school office for specific details of each school’s additional academic support. 

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE FOLLOWING FENTANYL RELATED PRESENTATIONS

Join the Glendale Union High School District for an in-depth discussion about fentanyl in Maricopa County. Learn about the crisis happening around the Valley and how we can work together to keep families safe. 

These forums will take place at all nine GUHSD campuses. Below are the dates, times, and locations. 

MARCH DATES APRIL DATES

Moon Valley High School                       Independence High School

3625 W. Cactus Road                            6602 N. 75th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85029                                Glendale, AZ 85303

Tuesday, March 21                                Thursday, April 6

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm                                 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Cortez High School                               Thunderbird High School

8828 N. 31st Avenue                             1750 W. Thunderbird Road

Phoenix, AZ 85051                                Phoenix, AZ 85023

Wednesday, March 22                          Tuesday, April 11 

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm                                 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Apollo High School                               Glendale High School

8045 N. 47th Avenue                            6216 W. Glendale Avenue

Glendale, AZ 85302                             Glendale, AZ 85301

Thursday, March 23                             Wednesday, April 12

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm                                6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Sunnyslope High School                    Washington High School

35 W. Dunlap Avenue                         2217 W. Glendale Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85021                             Phoenix, AZ 85021

Tuesday, March 28                            Thursday, April 13

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm                             5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Greenway High School

3930 W. Greenway Road

Phoenix, AZ 85053

Thursday, March 30

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm 

For more information, contact Dr. Natalie Schoenbauer at 623-435-6032.

SPRING SPORTS

Spring sports are in full swing from baseball, softball, and tennis to track and field. Come out and support your school’s sports teams this season. To find dates and times of games head to your school’s website calendar. 

FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS

Save the date to get a free sports physical in preparation for the 2023-2024 school year. On April 22nd, Sunnyslope High School will be the host site for the free physical. This free service provides free comprehensive pre-participation physical examinations for high school athletes, which includes EKG testing. This free service is provided by the Team of Physicians for Students (TOPS).

More information will be forthcoming.

SPRING BREAK

Spring Break is around the corner. The district office and all schools will be closed from March 13-17. School will resume on Monday, March 20.

Additional dates for upcoming events can be found on the district and your school’s website. Visit our calendar tab at www.guhsdaz.org and click on the 2022-2023 Calendar to download a complete list of important dates to remember for this school year.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians, 

Today we are writing to provide you with the following updates: 

HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING GRADES

GUHSD is well into the school year with 26 weeks already completed and 16 weeks still ahead until the last day of school. 

If your teen is struggling academically, GUHSD offers various opportunities for students to improve academic achievement.

TEACHER ASSISTANCE
Our teachers are available before and after school as well as during EOP/Late Start Wednesdays to help individual students. Students can come in for tutoring, testing and for extra help with assignments. 

LEARNING CENTERS
Each school has a resource center and computer lab designed to provide homework assistance and tutoring services for all students. Students are able to receive additional support needed to be successful and earn credits toward graduation. The labs are equipped with computers and printers, and access to wifi. The Title I Learning Centers are open before and after school.

EXTENDED MEDIA CENTER HOURS
GUHSD is proud to offer extended media center hours for students to study, receive academic support, and engage in other activities in a safe environment. Media center hours are extended until 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with hours varying on Saturdays. 

Please contact the school office for specific details of each school’s additional academic support. 

NEED A JOB? GUHSD IS HIRING

Have you thought about making an impact at your child’s school? What about working a schedule that aligns with your teen’s school schedule? 

GUHSD has exciting full-time and part-time jobs in a variety of fields of expertise available now. GUHSD offers excellent benefits, including medical coverage, life insurance, and retirement contributions.

CAFETERIA ASSISTANT

As a Cafeteria Assistant, the primary responsibilities are to prepare all food needed for cafeteria service, set up and operate serving lines, and ensure students receive nutritious meals before and during the school day. This position is part time and available at several GUHSD campuses.

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

GUHSD has several Instructional Assistant positions, including an English Learner Instructional Assistant, a Title I Instructional Assistant, and Special Education Instructional Assistants. All Instructional Assistants are full-time employees. They are responsible for assisting teachers in preparing materials, teaching aids, and equipment for direct instructional activities. 

SCHOOL NURSE

Full-time school nurse positions are available at a few GUHSD campuses. School nurses treat students for medical issues, coordinate routine health assessments, and much more. 

VIDEOGRAPHER/ TITLE I PARENT COMMUNITY LIAISON

This position is full time and based out of the GUHSD District Office. The videographer /parent liaison is responsible for planning, filming, and editing videos for a variety of social media platforms. 

If you, or someone you know, would like to become part of the GUHSD family, we invite you to apply here or call 623-435-6010 for more information.

BE AWARE - KNOW THE FACTS OF FENTANYL
Fentanyl is the most common substance found in opioid overdose deaths in Arizona – teens as young as 14 years old have overdosed and died. Illegal fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid sold as a powder or made into pills that look like prescription opioids, such as pain relievers.  

Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths. Even in small doses, it can be deadly. 

Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see it, taste it, or smell it. It is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl.

If you’re concerned about someone’s opioid or fentanyl use call the Arizona Opioid Assistance Referral line at 1-888-688-4222 for information about treatment and counseling options.

FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS - SAVE THE DATE
Does your teen plan to play sports during the 2023-2024 school year? Save the date to get a free sports physical.

Save the date for April 22nd at Sunnyslope High School. This free service is provided by the Team of Physicians for Students (TOPS). 

More information will be forthcoming.

NO SCHOOL - UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

In observance of Presidents’ Day, there will be no school on Monday, February 20, 2023.

Dates for upcoming breaks, such as Spring Break, can be found on the district and your school’s website. Visit the calendar tab at www.guhsdaz.org and click on the 2022-2023 Calendar to download a complete list of important dates for this school year. 

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians,

Happy New Year! Today we are sending you updates and relevant information for January 2023.

JOIN THE GUHSD FAMILY

As a leader of educational excellence, GUHSD is committed to hiring exceptional teachers and providing the necessary resources to enable them to achieve success and satisfaction while fulfilling the mission and vision of the district.

GUHSD is now hiring teachers for the 2023-2024 school year.

Join us for our Teacher Job Fair on January 28, 2023, at Greenway High School. Interviews will be scheduled between 8 am and 2 pm. Greenway High School is located at 3930 W. Greenway Rd. in Phoenix.  

If you or someone you know might be interested in teaching with us, please apply online here and/or contact us at 623-435-6017 to schedule an interview.

ACT/SAT TEST-PREP PROGRAM

GUHSD is proud to announce an important addition to our district educational programs– Beable TestAhead. 

This program will be introduced to all 10th and 11th grade students. It is an extraordinarily innovative ACT/SAT test-prep program that gives all our students access to the very best test prep at no cost to our students and their families.  

TestAhead uses cutting-edge technology to personalize instruction and help every student get the best test score. The test prep empowers students to recognize their unique strengths, solve problems quickly and correctly, and develop the ability to rapidly switch among their strengths. 

For more information, please contact your teen’s Assistant Principal of Student Services.  

NEW CHANGES TO CHARGING MEALS

GUHSD’s Food Services Department would like to inform parents/guardians of the Meal Charge Policy. 

Your teen will be allowed to charge up to a total of three full-price lunch meals. When this limit is met the student will not be allowed to choose a specific meal if they are not able to pay for that meal at the time of purchase; instead, they will be provided with an alternate meal. 

Unpaid meal charges to your teen’s account can be repaid online at https://family.titank12.com/. You may also pay with cash or a check in the school cafeteria to pay off any negative account balances.

For more information, please contact your teen’s school Cafeteria Manager.

WHAT IS FENTANYL?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine, but 50 to 100 times more potent. 

It is used to treat pain in its prescription form but is also made illegally and distributed as a street drug. Fake fentanyl is sold as a powder or made into pills that look like real prescription pills. 

It is never too early to have a conversation with your teen about fentanyl. Become informed of the dangers by visiting LearnMoreAZ.org.

If you are concerned about someone’s opioid or fentanyl use, call the Arizona Opioid Assistance and Referral line at 1-888-688-4222 for information about treatment and counseling options.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

In an effort to keep our parents/guardians informed, we want to remind you of upcoming days when students will not attend school. All schools and the district office will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Additional dates for upcoming breaks and events can be found on the district website and your school’s website. Visit our calendar tab at www.guhsdaz.org and click on the 2022-2023 Calendar to download a complete list of important dates to remember for this school year.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Stay informed about what is happening with your child’s school and the district online. Our websites include links and information about upcoming events, calendars, important alerts, highlights/features, teacher contact information, and other information about the school.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

As hard as it may be to believe, Winter Break is right around the corner. As we prepare to welcome a new year and a new semester, we don’t want to miss an opportunity to share some information that pertains to things happening this month. 

GUHSD HONORS BAND AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT

GUHSD is proud to present the annual Honors Band and Orchestra Concert. This popular event will feature the top performers from all our district bands and orchestras, as they showcase their skills on stage. 

We invite you to join us in celebrating our talented students this Saturday, December 3, 2022, beginning at 2 pm in the Moon Valley High School Auditorium. Admission is free. Moon Valley High School is located at 3625 W. Cactus Road in Phoenix.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO GET INVOLVED

Not all learning has to happen in the classroom. Extracurricular activities help students build new skills, instill new interests, and expose them to new opportunities.

GUHSD schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, band, chorus, dance, debate, drama, service projects, how to start a business, and many more opportunities outside of the classroom. There is something for everyone.

To view a complete list of clubs and activities offered at your teen’s school and to learn more about becoming involved, visit the ‘Clubs & Activities’ tab on your school’s website. 

CHECKING GRADES AND ATTENDANCE

Now is a good time to review your teen’s grades and be aware of any missing assignments on ParentVUE. ParentVUE is the online gradebook the district uses.

ParentVUE is a safe, secure, easy-to-use web portal for parents/guardians to access where they can see information on assignments and grades, attendance, class schedules, transcripts, and more. 

Set-up is easy and accessible 24/7. To set up a secure account, visit the GRADEBOOK tab on your school’s website.

ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE

We are quickly approaching the conclusion of the first semester and preparing for final exams. Students and faculty/staff are focused and are working hard to finish strong.

Additional academic support is available for students who are struggling with a subject, need help understanding an assignment, or looking to improve a grade. Students can seek assistance from their teachers before or after school. 

In addition to the teachers’ classrooms, school media centers are places to receive extra assistance with classwork. Media centers are open after school. Monday through Thursday, from 3:30-6:30 pm, with hours varying on Saturdays.

Please contact the school office for specific details on how students can receive additional academic support.

FENTANYL AWARENESS

The fentanyl crisis in Arizona is a very significant problem, especially with the rise in deaths among our youth. 

Why is fentanyl a problem in Arizona? Fentanyl is the most common substance found in opioid overdose deaths in Arizona - teens as young as 14 years old have overdosed and died. Illegal fentanyl is being mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. This is especially dangerous because people are often unaware that fentanyl has been added. 

It is never too early to have a conversation with your teen about fentanyl. Become informed of the dangers by visiting LearnMoreAZ.org.  

If you are concerned about someone’s opioid or fentanyl use, call the Arizona Opioid Assistance Referral line at 1-888-688-4222 for information about treatment and counseling options.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

In an effort to keep our parents/guardians informed, we want to remind you of upcoming days when students will not attend school. Our next break is Winter Break. Students will not attend school from December 16 - January 3. Students will resume school on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. 

Additional dates for upcoming breaks and events can be found on the district and your school’s website. Visit our calendar tab at www.guhsdaz.org and click on the 2022-2023 Calendar to download a complete list of important dates to remember for this school year.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

Today we are writing to provide you with the following updates:

AZ LETTER GRADES RELEASED

The Arizona Department of Education recently released the 2021-22 A-F School Letter Grades for all public schools statewide. These letter grades provide information about student achievement, college and career readiness, student growth, and other key areas of interest to families and the general public. 

We are extremely proud of our students, faculty/staff, and administrators for the great work taking place at our schools. To see your school’s letter grade visit  https://azsbe.az.gov/f-school-letter-grades. 

YOU’RE INVITED

GUHSD is proud to present the annual Marching Band Exhibition. All nine high school marching bands will perform this Monday, November 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Glendale Community College Football Stadium, 6000 W. Olive Avenue. We encourage all community members to come out and support GUHSD marching bands at this free event. 

GUHSD SIGNATURE EVENT - FUTURE FRESHMAN NIGHT

Future Freshman Night, a GUHSD signature event, is right around the corner! GUHSD high schools will host their Future Freshman Night on Thursday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m. 

All 8th-grade students entering high school in the 2023-2024 academic school year and their parents/guardians are invited to attend an incoming freshman event to learn about their neighborhood high school’s impressive accolades, the wide variety of clubs and activities offered at the school, talk to student representatives, meet teachers and administrators, all while viewing campus grounds. 

In addition to the Future Freshman Night presentation, an overview of the GUHSD Honors and Advanced Placement courses will be provided. 

Feel free to share the information with family and friends looking for a world-class education for their teenager at one of the top-performing high schools in the state. 

TAKE ACTION

Across our state young people are overdosing at an alarming rate on fentanyl. Here’s what you can do to help stop it: 

1. Get the facts on fentanyl at LearnMoreAZ.org

2. Share this information with your friends 

If you are concerned about someone’s opioid or fentanyl use, call the Arizona Opioid Assistance Referral line at 1-888-688-4222 for information about treatment and counseling options. 

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

In observance of Veterans Day, our schools and the district office will be closed on Friday, November 11. We will reopen with regular business hours on Monday, November 14. 

Dates for upcoming breaks, such as Thanksgiving, can be found on the district and your school’s website. Visit the calendar tab at www.guhsdaz.org and click on the 2022-2023 Calendar to download a complete list of important dates for this school year.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

We are now into our second quarter of the 2022-2023 school year and are excited to see excellence continue at GUHSD. We are writing to inform you about the following topics: 

HAVE YOU COMPLETED THE APPLICATION?

It is still not too late to complete the application for free and reduced meals. Meal applications assist in much more than just meals. Submitting your meal application may qualify your teen for these additional benefits: 

• scholarships & grants

• reduced fees for academic tests

• free/discounted fees on college applications

• reduced rates on internet access

• and much more

For step-by-step instructions on how to fill out an application and to learn more about the benefits of applying, visit our Food & Nutrition page on our website. The application is available in multiple languages. 

Please contact our Food & Nutrition office at 623-435-6040 for more information and/or help with filling out the application. 

NEED ADDITIONAL HELP?

All GUHSD schools are proud to provide students access to a safe learning environment after school, where they can study, receive additional academic support, and engage in other fun activities. 

Media Centers are open after school, Monday through Thursday, from 3:30-6:30 pm, with hours varying on Saturdays.

Please contact the school office for specific details of their schedule. 

IS YOUR TEEN INVOLVED?

Extracurriculars are a fun and exciting way for your teen to get involved at school. One way to do it is to participate in winter sports.

GUHSD schools offer a variety of winter sports including basketball, soccer, and wrestling, and it is not too late to get involved. For more information, visit your school’s website under ‘Athletics’. 

In addition to sports, our schools offer a wide range of clubs your teen can be a part of. You can view a complete list of clubs offered at your teen’s school on your school’s website under ‘Clubs & Activities’. 

DO YOU KNOW THE DANGERS?

Did you know that fentanyl is the most common substance found in opioid overdose death in Arizona? 1,163 young adults from the ages of 18 to 24 died of an opioid overdose from 2017 to 2021 in Arizona, according to the Substance Abuse Coalition Leaders of America.

Young Arizonans are losing their lives at an alarming rate. Illegal fentanyl is being mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. This is especially dangerous because people are often unaware that fentanyl has been added.  

It is never too early to have a conversation with your teen. Save yourself and save a friend by becoming informed of the dangers of fentanyl by visiting LearnMoreAZ.org.  

If you are concerned about someone’s opioid or fentanyl use, call the Arizona Opioid Assistance Referral line at 1-888-688-4222 for information about treatment and counseling options.

WHEN IS THE NEXT BREAK?

In an effort to keep our parents/guardians informed, we want to remind you of upcoming days when students will not attend school. Our next break is November 11 - Veterans’ Day.

Dates for upcoming breaks and events can be found on the district and your school’s website. Visit our calendar tab at www.guhsdaz.org and click on the 2022-2023 Calendar to download a complete list of important dates to remember for this school year. 

Please remember that we are here to work in partnership with you to ensure that your teen achieves their potential. Our schools and administrators are available should you need to talk about any matter concerning your teen, so please keep in touch. You can find our key contacts on our website.

We have reached the end of the first quarter of the 2022-2023 school year. We would like to take a moment to thank you for all your support throughout this very busy period; as always, it is greatly appreciated. Our parents/guardians play a key role in their teen’s education, and we value the partnership between our parents/guardians and faculty/staff.

Next week we will be on Fall Break, so students will not attend school from October 10-14. Our school offices will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day during this time. The district office will be open during its normal office hours. 

Have a happy and safe Fall Break, and we will be looking forward to welcoming all students back on Monday, October 17, 2022. 

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

In an effort that our families have everything they need for the month of September, we are providing the following updates:

WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Once again, all nine GUHSD schools have been ranked among the best high schools by U.S. News & World Report.

These rankings include data on nearly 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors: College Readiness, State Assessment Proficiency, State Assessment Performance, Underserved Student Performance, College Curriculum Breadth, and Graduation Rate.  

This is one of the reasons why, for decades, Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD) schools have been schools of choice for parents/guardians and students within the Phoenix and Glendale communities. As a nationally recognized district, GUHSD has set the standard for educational excellence. 

Visit guhsdaz.org to learn about all our accolades.

ACADEMIC SUPPORTS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

GUHSD schools are proud to offer various opportunities for students to increase academic achievement. 

TEACHER ASSISTANCE: Our teachers are available before and after school as well as during Late Start Wednesdays to help individual students. Students can come in to turn in assignments, for tutoring, and for testing. 

LEARNING CENTERS: Each school has a resource center and computer lab designed to provide homework assistance and tutoring services for all students. Students are able to receive additional support needed to be successful and earn credits toward graduation. The labs are equipped with computer and printer access and wifi. The Title I Learning Centers are open before and after school. Free breakfast and afternoon snacks are available. Additionally, a late bus is available for bus riders. 

EXTENDED MEDIA CENTER HOURS: Our  schools are proud to offer extended media center hours for students to study, receive additional academic support, and engage in other activities in a safe environment. Media center hours are extended until 6:30 p.m. several days a week. Furthermore, the center is open on select Saturdays throughout the month.

Specific details of each school’s academic support is provided to students by teachers, counselors, and during the daily announcements. Contact your teen’s school for specific information.

SUPPORT YOUR TEEN’S ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Want real-time updates and information about your teen’s grades and attendance - right at your fingertips? Check out our ParentVUE app.

In ParentVUE, we offer parents/guardians an easy way to stay informed about their teen’s progress at school. ParentVUE is an important tool to help parents be connected and support their teen(s). ParentVUE is a password-protected portal that gives parents/guardians web and mobile access to grades, assignments, attendance, and communication with teachers. Parents/guardians only need one login to see information for all their students. 

The ParentVUE app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

In observance of Labor Day, there will be no school on Monday, September 5, 2022.

Wondering when Fall Break is? How about Winter Break? These dates and more can be found on the district and your school’s website. Visit our calendar tab at www.guhsdaz.org and click on the 2022-2023 Calendar to download a complete list of important dates to remember for this school year.

APPLY NOW

Did you know that all students and families can benefit from filling out a free & reduced meal application? 

When applications are completed, schools receive more funding for resources.

Additionally, when applications are submitted students can qualify for the following:

• scholarships & grants

• reduced fees for academic tests

• free/discounted fees on college applications

• reduced rates on internet access

• …and much more

We are asking everyone to please take a few short minutes to complete an application today. To learn more about the benefits of filling out a meal application and step-by-step instructions on how to fill out an application, visit our Food & Nutrition page on our website. 

Please contact our Food & Nutrition office at 623-435-6040 for additional information and/or help with filling out the application.

IMPORTANT PARENT/GUARDIAN FORUM ON SEPTEMBER 27

Join the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Phoenix DEA, AZ HIDTA, and Community Bridges for an in-depth discussion about fentanyl in Maricopa County. Learn from subject matter experts about this crisis and how we can work together to keep families safe.

This forum will take place on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 6-7 pm at Independence High School, 6602 N 75th Avenue, Glendale, AZ.

For more information, contact the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office at 602-506-3411.

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL SUPPORTS

We know that while the beginning of a new school year is an exciting time, transitions can also be difficult for many people and can lead to feelings of anxiety. GUHSD understands the importance of providing more information and resources to enhance the promotion of mental health, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being for all our students.

SOCIAL WORKERS: GUHSD Social Workers are key members of the school team. Our Social Workers help improve students’ chances for success in school -- and in life. They assess and address social, emotional, and behavioral factors that may stand in the way of students’ ability to learn fully. They apply social work principles and methodologies in the educational environment with the primary goal of removing barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling his or her academic potential.

PROJECT AWARE: As we continue to increase awareness and prevention of mental health issues and make ways to develop healthy practices to support students in school, we are beginning our second year of a five-year grant with Project AWARE, which is another resource available to students and their families. Project AWARE allows us to develop a sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental health programs and services and to build a collaborative partnership with community-based providers of behavioral health care services, ensuring that students and families have access to and are connected to appropriate and effective behavioral health services.

988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE: In addition to the supports offered at our schools through the social workers and Project AWARE, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated 988 as a nationwide number for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a United States based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline. It is available to anyone in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Dear GUHSD Parents/Guardians:

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year. We are writing to provide you a few updates as we prepare to welcome all our students back on campus in a few days.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

The first day of school begins on Monday, August 8, 2022. More information about the first day, including modified start times, bell schedules, etc., can be found on your school’s website. 

www.guhsdaz.org/apollo 

www.guhsdaz.org/Cortez 

www.guhsdaz.org/Glendale 

www.guhsdaz.org/Greenway 

www.guhsdaz.org/Independence 

www.guhsdaz.org/Moonvalley 

www.guhsdaz.org/Sunnyslope 

www.guhsdaz.org/Thunderbird 

www.guhsdaz.org/Washington 

www.guhsdaz.org/Online 

IMPORTANT FOOD & NUTRITION UPDATE

The GUHSD Food & Nutrition Department is dedicated to supporting the educational process by providing nutritious, affordable meals to students. We strive to provide students with access to a wide assortment of foods that are both appealing and nutritious. Meals, foods, and beverages sold or served at our schools are based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Over the past two years, the USDA made it possible for school nutrition programs to serve all students free breakfast and lunch through waivers. Congress did not extend these waivers for the upcoming school year. As a result, we will return to charging the regular meal prices for those who do not qualify for the free/reduced-priced meals.  

WE NEED YOU: We are asking all families to fill out a free or reduced-price meal application. Regardless of whether you qualify, completed applications bring additional funds and benefits to the District and our schools. 

Families who do qualify for free or reduced-price meal benefits for their teen(s) need to submit an application annually. We encourage you to complete the application today. Please contact our Food Service office at 623-435-6040 for additional information and/or help with filling out the application. 

NEW & IMPROVED COMMUNICATION TOOLS

As part of our ongoing commitment and partnership with our families and community, we have updated some of the communication tools we offer.

PARENTVUE: We offer parents/guardians an easy way to stay informed about their teen’s progress at school. ParentVUE is an important tool to help parents be connected and support their teen(s). ParentVUE is a password-protected portal that gives parents/guardians web and mobile access to grades, assignments, attendance, and communication with teachers. Parents/guardians only need one login to see information for all their students. 

WEBSITES: The district has upgraded all school websites to provide a more effective and user-friendly experience, making it easier for our students, parents/guardians, and staff to find what they are looking for. Our websites include links and information about upcoming events, calendars, important alerts, highlights/features, teacher contact information, and other information about the school. 

SOCIAL MEDIA: We invite all families, friends, and community members to follow our social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Our social media pages are our landing spots for in-depth content and stories about our district and our schools. Here, you will find upcoming events, photos, videos, and content highlighting students, staff, and accomplishments. 

Additionally, we invite you to “like” your school’s Facebook page to receive regular updates.

https://www.facebook.com/ApolloHighSchoolAZ

https://www.facebook.com/CortezHighSchoolAZ

https://www.facebook.com/GlendaleHighSchoolAZ

https://www.facebook.com/GreenwayHighSchoolAZ

https://www.facebook.com/IndependenceHighSchoolAZ

https://www.facebook.com/MoonValleyHighSchoolAZ

https://www.facebook.com/SunnyslopeHighSchoolAZ

https://www.facebook.com/ThunderbirdHighSchoolAZ

https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonHighSchoolAZ

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL SUPPORTS

Like physical health, positive mental health promotes success in life. GUHSD understands the importance of providing more information and resources to enhance the promotion of mental health, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being for all our students.

SOCIAL WORKERS: GUHSD Social Workers are are key members of the school team. Our Social Workers help improve students’ chances for success in school -- and in life.  They assess and address social, emotional, and behavioral factors that may stand in the way of students’ ability to learn fully. They apply social work principles and methodologies in the educational environment with the primary goal of removing barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling his or her academic potential. 

PROJECT AWARE: As we continue to increase awareness and prevention of mental health issues and make ways to develop healthy practices to support students in school, we are beginning our second year of a five-year grant with Project AWARE, which is another resource available to students and their families. Project AWARE allows us to develop a sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental health programs and services and to build a collaborative partnership with community-based providers of behavioral health care services, ensuring that students and families have access and are connected to appropriate and effective behavioral health services.

988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE: In addition to the supports offered at our schools through the social workers and Project AWARE, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has designated 988 as a nationwide number for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a United States based suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline. It is available to anyone in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. 

NEW MOMENT OF SILENCE LAW

Due to new legislation, beginning August 8, 2022, all GUHSD schools will provide students the opportunity to have a moment of silence before classroom instruction begins.

House Bill 2707 ensures AZ students have time for a moment of silence while at school. The legislation requires all public and charter schools to provide students the opportunity to take a moment of silence at the beginning of each school day. This one to two minutes can be used for contemplation in a manner determined by the student and their parents. 

NEW GOVERNING BOARD MEETING TIMES

Effective July 1, 2022, GUHSD governing board meetings have been changed to a 6:00 pm start time. More information, including dates of upcoming meetings, can be found here.

We have so many wonderful things happening in our district! Please make sure to check out the GUHSD webpage to stay up to date on everything happening in our district. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.