Queen Creek Unified lists second-quarter successes

The winter break is ending and students in the Queen Creek Unified School District will be back in classrooms on Tuesday.

Before the kids hit the books again, the district is highlighting the accomplishments schools and students achieved in the second quarter.

“The second quarter was marked by moments that showcased the energy, creativity and commitment found throughout Queen Creek Unified School District,” according to a district press release. “From hands-on learning and community service to student achievements and meaningful celebrations, schools across the district continued to create engaging experiences that support student growth and bring families together.”

Desert Mountain Elementary

• Sixth-grade students explored real-world STEM concepts through laser tag physics and raced like pros during a hands-on learning experience at Andretti Indoor Karting.
• Desert Mountain Elementary participated in the Queen Creek Hometown Christmas Parade with a themed float.

Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary

• FMSE families came together for the Color Run 2025 fundraiser, raising $68,763 to support playground shade, a new swing set, Chromebooks and teacher requests throughout the year.
• The Family Learning Night Committee and FMSE teachers hosted a Learning Night, welcoming students, families and grandparents to the first event of the year.

Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary

• The PTO created the Lil’ Shoppers Shoppe, giving students the opportunity to shop for gifts for family and friends during the winter season.
• The school received a $10,000 donation from The Roger & Sybil Ferguson Charitable Foundation in recognition of its service to the community.

Gateway Polytechnic Academy

• Lead Out Loud students spent a Saturday delivering 1,200 new and gently used toys to Sunshine Acres, organizing donations, loading nine vehicles, touring the campus and learning about the organization’s mission.
• The school’s fifth and sixth grade choir performed the national anthem at Eastmark High School.

Jack Barnes Elementary

• Local businesses joined Jack Barnes Elementary for a table and treat event during the school’s Boo Bash celebration.
• Cassandra Smith, the library media aide, hosted a book fair with the help of parent volunteers to raise funds for new library books and supplies.

Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary

• Lead Out Loud students led a schoolwide kindness initiative during Kindness Week, creating and sharing kindness clips with positive messages to spread joy throughout campus.
• Preschool teacher Melissa Axman received a Queen Creek Schools Education Foundation grant to support preschool center resources.

Mountain Trail Academy

• Mountain Trail Academy hosted its second “Soaring Summit” where student houses competed in friendly challenges.
• The MTA choir participated in the “Matilda Jr.” musical at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, with Skyhawks attending to cheer on the performers.

Queen Creek Elementary

• The PTO hosted a “Snowball” dance that brought together students and families for a night of fun.
• Queen Creek Fire Department joined the school’s Veterans Day assembly, featuring a ladder truck flying the American flag.

Schnepf Elementary

• Teachers Kate Daily, Angie Murphy and Kylie Bryan each received $1,000 grants from the Friends of the Queen Creek Library to create classroom book nooks.
• Schnepf students hosted a Resolution Copper STEM Dugout at an Arizona Diamondbacks game, engaging fans with hands-on STEM activities at Chase Field.

Silver Valley Elementary

• Students participated in an agricultural experience at Queen Creek High School, exploring hands-on activities and learning where their food comes from.
• Lead Out Loud students organized a blanket drive, donating 380 blankets to the Pinal County Animal Care Center, along with food donations to the East Mesa food bank.

Newell Barney College Prep

• Newell Barney College Prep hosted a winter festival for current and future families, featuring food, games and activities.
• Staff welcomed more than 50 incoming families to the first STEM/Future Buc Night, highlighting hands-on learning and future-focused opportunities.

Queen Creek Junior High School

• Student council surpassed its goal during the district’s Family Resource Center  food drive by collecting 1,050 food items for families in need.
• The QCJH wrestling team celebrated strong performances at the EVC championship meet, including a championship win by Cason Aldrich and multiple podium finishes by team members.

Crismon High School

• Crismon High School’s holiday band and choir concert filled every seat and showcased the growth and talent of the fine arts programs, ending with a community sing-along of holiday carols.
• Students brought the stage to life with a school production of “The Little Mermaid.”

Eastmark High School

• The Eastmark girls dive team earned outstanding results at the state competition, with Natalee Stratton placing first, Daylee Bluth placing second and Kensie Campbell placing fourth.
• Eastmark’s JROTC program earned an outstanding rating on its inaugural annual military inspection.

Queen Creek High School

• QCHS students Devin Mock, Kayla Rowley and Kamden Tinsley earned spots in the Arizona all-state show choir and delivered a stellar performance after learning an entire set in just three days alongside professional composers, arrangers and choreographers.
• Queen Creek High School Student Council and Key Club students volunteered at the food bank, helping serve families during a food distribution event.

Queen Creek Unified School District

• Across the district, schools honored Veterans Day by hosting tributes, concerts and breakfasts in appreciation of those who served.
• The district earned an “A” rating.