Photos: Chandler district students got usual early start

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

Even though Chandler Unified students, staff and others seem to always need to explain why CUSD starts its school year so early, there never seems to be a shortage of enthusiasm when students show up for the first day of school.

That was certainly the case July 15. Hundreds of Carlson Elementary School students were greeted at the school’s main playground entry gate by Principal Sarah Elliott, school namesake Carol Carlson dozens of teachers and other educators.

Student safety patrol students helped younger students get to class.

Chandler Unified school years start earlier than most Arizona districts due in part to a longstanding belief in the continuity of more medium-length breaks instead of a few days off and a long summer break.

CUSD typically has two-week breaks in the fall, winter, and spring, “which helps reduce burnout for students and staff,” the district website states.

Carlson — one of Chandler Unified’s 32 elementary schools — is named for Carol and John Carlson. The late John Carlson was a state-championship-winning wrestling coach at Chandler High School and a longtime athletic director.

Email Jason W. Brooks at jbrooks@iniusa.org.  Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.