Teachers, staff build community at Frances Brandon-Pickett in Queen Creek

At Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary, students don’t just attend school — they become part of a community.

For attendance clerk and registrar Maria Peru, her role is about more than paperwork.

“Knowing that I’m the first point of contact, I try to be welcoming and make sure everyone feels supported,” she stated in a press release from the Queen Creek Unified School District. “The students here bring so much life and energy, and the staff here is like family. We all work together to support each other.”

As a Queen Creek resident and QCUSD alum, Peru stated that she is proud to serve the community she grew up in.

First-grade teacher Jewells Sommer brings the same sense of family to her classroom. With 13 years in Queen Creek, Sommer has taught numerous siblings from the same families.

“I’ve had seniors come back to visit me. I’ve taught siblings over the years, which I love,” Sommer stated. “We are such a family here. We take care of each other and support each other — it really is a tight-knit family.”

Sommer believes in celebrating students and creating fun, hands-on lessons that inspire a love of learning.

“We put our heart and soul into everything we do here,” she stated.