Queen Creek Unified logs third quarter school successes

The third quarter has wrapped up at Queen Creek Unified School District, and students and teachers are looking back at their milestones and accomplishments

Desert Mountain Elementary

• The Parent Teacher Organization successfully hosted a Valentine’s dance, giving students and families a fun opportunity to connect while strengthening the school community.
• Families enjoyed the Mother & Son STEM Challenge Night, where hands-on activities encouraged creativity, problem-solving and teamwork in a learning environment.

Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary

• PTO President Stacey Fiske and Vice President Missy Violette led the planning and coordination of the Color Run fundraiser, raising more than $15,000 to support school initiatives.
• Field Day was filled with sunshine, smiles and excitement as students enjoyed friendly competition, laughter and plenty of outdoor fun.

Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary

• Sixth grader Jake Vlahos-Mendoza earned third-place finish in the regional spelling bee.
• Sabercat families enjoyed a night at Texas Roadhouse, and students learned line dancing when the Texas Roadhouse team visited campus.

Gateway Polytechnic Academy

• The annual Aviator Dash raised more than $91,000, with funds supporting school improvements such as a new cafeteria sound system and essential student programs.
• Students across campus gained valuable knowledge during a fire safety presentation led by Mesa rirefighters.

Jack Barnes Elementary

• Career Day was a success, as parents, community and business volunteers shared insights into their professions and inspired students to explore future career paths.
• The very first Jack BARNes dance was made possible by community partners, volunteers and PTO support, creating a fun and welcoming experience for families.

Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary

• Queen Creek Vice Mayor Bryan McClure joined teacher Veronica Onofre’s class as a guest reader to celebrate Read Across America Week and promote a love of reading.
• Fourth-grade teachers completed the town of Queen Creek’s water conservation training, allowing students to participate in a field trip focused on environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Mountain Trail Academy

• Students enjoyed a special visit from the Queen Creek Rodeo as part of the Roots N’ Boots education partnership, bringing hands-on learning to life.
• The MTA community raised more than $24,000 during the Fun Run to support new playground equipment, shade structures and campus enhancements.

Queen Creek Elementary

• Hudson Siemens and Collin Gomez earned spots in the district honor orchestra, showcasing their musical talent and dedication.
• Career Day provided students with l opportunities to learn about a wide range of professions directly from community members.

Schnepf Elementary

• Principal Faith Orr proudly accepted a $1,000 donation from Safeway in the Harvest neighborhood during opening ceremony festivities.
• Student Sadie McGauvran represented Schnepf Elementary alongside fellow students and principals at the business partner breakfast.

Silver Valley Elementary

• Silver Valley Elementary was recognized on the state House floor as a Lighthouse School and A+ School of Excellence.
• The school also received the Teacher Created Materials Spotlight Award, celebrating its culture of leadership, collaboration and learning.

Newell Barney College Prep

• Students explored a variety of career pathways and visited Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration to expand their understanding of future opportunities.
• Lead Out Loud students partnered with teacher Megan Perry to create and donate blankets to the Family Resource Center, supporting local families in need.

Queen Creek Junior High School

• The Queen Creek Junior High pom team earned second-place at the Pink State competition, showcasing teamwork and school pride.
• QCUSD Superintendent Perry Berry started the day by thanking teachers and staff with bagels as a gesture of appreciation for their continued dedication.

Crismon High School

• Crismon wrestling made history as the girls’ team captured its first state championship. Additionally, the boys team finished third overall and had 16 wrestlers place at state.
• The Crismon DECA chapter earned Diamond Chapter status and THRIVE-level recognition, placing it among the top chapters in Arizona.
• Thirteen students competed at the DECA conference, with three placing in the top 10% and advancing to finals.

Eastmark High School

• Eastmark High School earned the Bronze Award for the AP honor roll, highlighting its commitment to student achievement in advanced coursework.
• Eastmark cadets earned a first-place victory at the Raider Meet Championship.

Queen Creek High School

• Cheer teams earned multiple national champion titles and a silver national championship across divisions.
• Senior Prahlad Iyer was named a national merit finalist, a prestigious academic honor recognizing his PSAT performance.

Queen Creek Unified School District

• During School Choice Week, QCUSD celebrated the families that trust the district for high-quality education and supportive learning environments where students thrive.
• QCUSD partnered with Albertsons/Safeway, receiving $50,000 in combined support for district schools and the Queen Creek Schools Education Foundation.