Cruz: Learn more about the newest elementary school in Queen Creek USD

The Queen Creek Unified School District is opening its eighth elementary school ahead of the 2020-21 school year.

Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary will serve pre-K to sixth-grade students. This is the first “school of choice” option for families in the Queen Creek Unified School District. The school will feature an accelerated curriculum, gifted-endorsed teachers and school uniforms.

The campus is part of the Barney Farms Fulton Home subdivision near Signal Butte and Queen Creek Roads. School hours are 7:55 a.m.-3 p.m. with early release every Wednesday (7:55 a.m.-1:20 p.m.)
Transportation services will be providing bus depot options at all QCUSD elementary and middle schools.

Enroll your student today at qcusd.org/Enrollment. School begins on July 22.

What is a school of choice?

Schools of choice have a theme or specialized programming that is different from other neighborhood schools. They are designed to attract students with common interests or skill sets.

Accelerated curriculum

Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary will have an accelerated curriculum in math and English language arts. This accelerated curriculum map will allow students to learn content a grade level above their current grade, in addition to current grade-level standards.

Acceleration allows students to progress more quickly and to a higher level while providing academic challenges for students.

Project Lead the Way curriculum will also be implemented as part of STEAM programming, which includes content such as computer science, robotics and art instruction. These programs engage students in hands-on activities, projects and problems; empower them to solve real-world challenges; and inspire them to reimagine how they see themselves.

Gifted-endorsed teachers

Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary teachers will all be gifted-endorsed or working toward their gifted endorsement. These gifted strategies will be implemented in everyday instruction in the classroom.

School uniforms

School uniforms provide a sense of belonging and pride at Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary.

Not having to worry about fashion trends helps students focus on academics and can promote school spirit as well as reduce conflicts among students.

School uniforms can also help parents save time and money shopping for school clothes.

Uniforms for the school are as follows:

• Shirts: navy blue polo shirt, light blue polo shirt, white polo shirt.
• Pants/shorts: navy blue dress pants/shorts, khaki dress pants/shorts.
• Rompers/skirts/uniform dress: navy blue skirt/romper/uniform dress, khaki skirt/romper/uniform dress, light blue uniform dress.

Preschool

Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary will have an accelerated preschool program in addition to a variety of other full- and half-day options.

Students must be between the ages of 3-5 and potty trained. Classes are small and lessons are developmentally appropriate.

Preschool in QCUSD focuses on teaching the whole child including their social and emotional well-being.

Editor’s note: Chasity Cruz is the principal of Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary School in the Queen Creek Unified School District.