Chandler Unified School District

Discover educational possibilities for your student at our upcoming high school open houses. CUSD is proud to be home to comprehensive high schools that offer a diverse range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. CUSD high schools are among the best in our state!

• Arizona College Prep High School: Wednesday, December 6, 6 p.m.
• Basha High School: Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Casteel High School (grades 7-12): Wednesday, January 24, 2023, 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m.
• Chandler Early College: Contact the school for a tour, 480-224-3060
• Chandler High School: Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 5:30 -7:30 p.m.
• Chandler Online Academy (grades 7-12): Call the school for more information: 480-812-6350
• Hamilton High School: Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 6 p.m.
  
• Perry High School: Thursday, January 18, 2024, 5 p.m.

CUSD high schools offer extensive programs in both fine arts and athletics. Participation in clubs and activities beyond regular school hours has been shown to enhance study habits, foster positive peer relationships, and boost self-esteem. Join us to learn more about how CUSD is dedicated to supporting students in their academic and personal growth.

Transitioning to junior high/middle school is filled with excitement and challenges. Set your child up for success by attending a junior high open house happening across the district from December 7-January 30.

This week's events:

• Basha Accelerated Middle School (grades 6-8) - Thursday December 7, 6-7 p.m.

The next CUSD virtual open house is December 14. This is a great opportunity to learn more about CUSD as a whole from the comfort of your home.

Important Dates:

• January 8, 7:30 a.m. - Open Enrollment for grades K-12 begins. Open Enrollment is designed to allow your child to attend a school outside your home school boundaries.
  
  
• January 10, 9 a.m. - Enrollment in home boundary school for grades K-12 begins.
  School boundary maps can be found here.

Main Auditorium

5:10-5:40 p.m. FAFSA Presentation 1

5:40 - 6 p.m. FSA ID Creation and Q&A

6-6:30 p.m. FAFSA Presentation 2

6:30 - 7 p.m. FSA ID Creation and Q&A

Recital Hall

FSA ID Creation and holding for presentation 2

Where to get additional help:
FAFSA Hotline: 1-800-433-3243

Ask Benji - Text "Hi Benji" to 602-786-8171

Stop in at your school's College & Career Center for more information about FAFSA workshops

Will your child be 3-years-old by August 31? If so, consider joining us for Preschool! Community Education Preschool students receive instruction in English, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Sciences, and Art all while forming positive relationships with their peers and classroom teachers.

Preschool is available at the following CUSD schools:

• Conley Elementary School
• Riggs Elementary School
• Santan Elementary School
• Sanborn Elementary School
• Shumway Leadership Academy

Start your educational journey with us in the 2024-2025 school year by registering for Preschool on January 10 at 9am. Learn more about Preschool and how to register here.

Did you know CUSD Food & Nutrition produces, ships, and serves nearly 30,000 meals every weekday to 50 sites & programs? The newest episode of the Superintendent's Focus video series highlights the CUSD Central Kitchen. Prioritizing development and optimization, the Central Kitchen ensures that it serves as a cornerstone for providing healthy and high-quality meals to students across the district.

Congrats to Perry Football on winning the AIA Sportsmanship Award for the 6A Conference! Way to go, players, coaches and fans of Perry Pumas.

On November 30, 2023, Representative Jennifer Pawlik participated in the Arizona Educational Foundation's "Take Your Legislator to School Day," visiting Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School to engage with students and promote educational awareness.

Frye Elementary took a proactive approach to student safety by hosting a dynamic Fire Safety Event on November 28. The event, a collaborative effort with various community organizations, witnessed impactful partnerships with entities such as ValleyWise Health, the Arizona Cardinals, the Chandler Fire Department and Scheels, all coming together to impart crucial knowledge on Fire and Burn Safety. Through engaging activities students were equipped with life-saving skills while forging a stronger bond with their local community and its dedicated safety advocates.

Hamilton High School's Air Force Junior ROTC brought 24 cadets to Luke Air Force Base for an immersive tour of the aircraft maintenance complex. Over the course of 2 days, they dedicated a total of 6 hours to exploring backshop maintenance facilities, inspecting bombs on the bomb build pad, and getting an up-close and personal look at the Air Force's latest fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, on the flight line. The entire experience was nothing short of fantastic for everyone involved!

Under the guidance of their dedicated teacher, Rick Camarillo, the fifth-grade students showcased their creativity and teamwork by constructing the impressive third annual Tarwater Book Tree. This annual tradition not only reflects the students' enthusiasm for literature but also highlights their ability to collaborate and bring a festive touch to their learning environment.

Ten teachers from the Chandler Unified School District were awarded a $2,500 grant through the Fiesta Bowl "Wishes for Teachers" program. These grants aim to fulfill wishes submitted by teachers in various fields, including agricultural studies, arts, math, physical education and wellness, science, and special needs. The funding will support essential resources such as new reading materials, classroom makeovers, educational events, programs, and more.

Darryl Gregson
School: Basha High School | Subject: Special Education
Darryl's wish is to purchase adaptable exercise equipment for students.

Kari Mochel
School: Bogle Junior High School | Subject: 7th-8th Grade - Behavior Specialist
Kari's wish is to upgrade an outdoor space with decorations, furniture and activities for students.

Suzanne Buffington
School: Casteel High School | Subject: 7th-12th Grade - English Learning Development
Suzanne's wish is to purchase writing supplies and reading resources for students.

Christy Herndon
School: Chandler High School | Subject: Girls Flag Football
Christy's wish is to purchase equipment to support the Girls Flag Football program at the school.

Stephanie Likes
School: Chandler High School | Subject: 9th-12th Grade - Theatre
Stephanie's wish is to purchase resources for the musical productions at the school.

Amy Liu
School: Chandler Traditional Academy - Freedom | Subject: K-6th Grade - Technology
Amy’s wish is to purchase new robots for the classroom.

Rebecca Crow
School: Jacobson Elementary School | Subject: 2nd Grade
Rebecca’s wish is to support their “Science of Reading” program and purchase resources for students.

Michelle Gustafson
School: Perry High School | Subject: Special Education
Michelle's wish is to purchase resources for students including flexible seating options and iPads.

Rebecca Bentz
School: Rice Elementary School | Subject: 5th Grade
Rebecca’s wish is to provide flexible seating options and purchase books for the classroom.

Eva Boyd
School: Weinberg Gifted Academy | Subject: Technology
Eva's wish is to provide coding lessons and purchase robots for the classroom.

During this month, Natasha Tully graciously imparted her knowledge of Navajo culture to the students at Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary. Serving as a paraeducator at Hartford SE, Ms. Tully plays a crucial role within the staff. A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Tully!

Recently the Chandler Arizona Bobcats 10U Ice Hockey team composed of numerous students from Chandler Unified School District, secured consecutive Championship Gold Medals in Las Vegas, Nevada. Congratulations to the team and CUSD students!

• Christian Bohnert (Goalie) - Santan Elementary
• Parker Bryant (Defense) - Fulton Elementary
• Caleb Cederbaum (Forward) - Ryan Elementary
• Rhett Mazursky (Forward) - CTA-Independence Elementary
• Felix Plona (Forward) - Santan Elementary

Do you want to see your school, program or students featured?

There are a TON of great things going on in our schools -- honors, awards, community service projects, special programs we offer and accomplishments. Click below to spread the word, and to see the things we're doing. Check out our BRAGS | BRAG about our schools

During the holiday season, The Chandler CARE Center is thrilled to announce that they are providing gifts for nearly 1,200 Chandler and Chandler Unified School District kids this year. The CARE Center takes pride in continuing its partnership with the Chandler Fire Department, offering an incredible opportunity to contribute and bring holiday cheer to the community.

The December Holiday Assistance Day is scheduled for Saturday, December 16th. For those interested in getting involved, there are some options:

• Individuals can make a donation of a new, unwrapped gift or a gift card for a teen (Donations are kindly requested to the CARE Center by Monday, 12/11/23).
  
  
• Another opportunity to contribute is available at Chandler Fashion Center on Saturday, December 9th, from 2 - 8 p.m. in the valet area near the food court. Attendees can take part in the annual toy drive by donating a new, unwrapped gift and, as a special treat, enjoy a ride in a fire truck. It's guaranteed that kids will love the experience!
  
  

The Chandler CARE Center expresses sincere gratitude for the support received in making these holiday initiatives a success.

Lil’ Explorers Winter Break Camp starts this month! Is your 0-5-year-old registered? We’re spending winter break learning through play, and we want you to join us! Don’t delay—some dates and ages are already full. Register today!

On Tuesday, November 28, more than 50 CUSD parents attended a presentation on social media and students. This informative event was hosted by Perry High, Payne Junior High, and Gilbert PD. During the presentation, parents heard from law enforcement and CUSD administration, including Counseling & Social Services, on the impact social media is having on our youth and how families can help keep their children safe when using the platforms. Law enforcement also detailed just how many platforms exist and encouraged families to speak up and ask questions if needed. We are here to help!

Chandler Unified School District is a proud Chandler employer and honored to serve such an incredible community! Here CUSD Board members Barb Mozdzen and Patti Serrano accept a Chandler 100 award from the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. Join team Chandler today! https://www.cusd80.com/domain/7960

Community shines bright in Chandler!! Here are just a few snaps from CUSD’s participation in the City Government of Chandler, Arizona Parade of Lights.

Books build brains! Come join the fun with your child and learn how books develop a child’s vocabulary, social emotional skills and school readiness. Story School is a bilingual, two generation program where children and adults learn together each week through books, songs, movement and activities. The next cycle for Story School in Chandler begins in late January. Contact Shannon Hanchett for more information about enrollment via email or by phone 623-303-6718.

Bologna Elementary is proud to host Borderlands Produce on Wheels, Without Waste.

Each year Borderlands Produce Rescue will save 30 million pounds of produce from being sent to the landfill. Receive up to 70 pounds of produce for a $15 donation! (Cash only)

When: Saturday December 16, 8-11 a.m. or until produce runs out.

Where: Bologna Elementary, | 1625 E. Frye Road, Chandler, AZ 85225

Volunteer Hours: Community members ages 12 and older (with a guardian) can also sign up to volunteer to help get more fruits and veggies into the community!

Volunteer sign up link and information

More information on counseling and social services events and resources can be found online here.

• Beginning 10/10: Tuesday Talks: A Free Parent Education Series, 6-8 p.m. Registration required.
  

We are excited to recruit community members to join Chandler Unified School District on Purposity. Purposity is one of the easiest ways to help our students and families in need.

As we continue the school year, we are working hard to ensure all of our students have the resources they need. And you can help! We have identified the most urgent student needs and uploaded them to Purposity - an app that allows our community to meet these needs with just a few clicks. Items include everything from new shoes to school supplies.

What do you need to do? Simply sign up at purposity.com/@ChandlerUnified, follow our page, and meet a need with just a few clicks today.

The community is invited to the 10th Annual Laloboy Foundation Gift Giving Event on Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chandler High, 350 N. Arizona Avenue, near the cafeteria/courtyard area. Register Online Here

• November 1 - January 29: Kindergarten Open Houses at all elementary schools. Visit the website for specific school dates and times.
  
  
• November 17 - January 1: Light the World Giving Machines in the Town of Gilbert (near the water tower). Donate to the Chandler CARE Center.
  
  
• December 6 - January 18: High School Open Houses. Visit the website for specific school dates and times.
  
  

• December 7 - January 30: Junior High Open Houses. Visit the website for specific school dates and times.
  
  
• December 13: Last day to drop off donations to the Chandler CARE Center Holiday Toy Drive.
  
  
• December 14: Virtual CUSD Open House, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
  
  
• December 16: Borderlands Produce on Wheels Event at Bologna Elementary, 8-11 a.m. Location: 1625 E. Frye Rd. Receive 70lbs of produce for a $15 donation.
  
  
• January 8: Open Enrollment for grades K-12 begins, 7:30 a.m. Open Enrollment is designed to allow your child to attend a school outside your home school boundaries.
  
  
• January 10: Enrollment in home boundary school for grades K-12 begins, 9 a.m. School boundary maps can be found here.
  
  
• January 10: Preschool/PreK enrollment begins, 9 a.m.
  
  

The CUSD calendar can be found on the website here.

The CUSD Governing Board meeting dates can be found on the website here.

We invite all families and the community to keep up to date about Chandler Unified by liking, following and subscribing below!

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Chandler Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The Title IX coordinators are Dr. Craig Gilbert, and Dr. Jeff Filloon, and the Section 504 coordinator is Dr. Kym Marshall. Address: 1525 W. Frye Road, Chandler, AZ 85224

Email: ChandlerCommunicationOffice@cusd80.com
Website: https://www.cusd80.com/chandlerschools
Location: 1525 West Frye Road, Chandler, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-812-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/ChandlerUnified
Twitter: @ChandlerUnified