SRMS PTO News
March 2026
Celebrating our Musicians & Looking Toward the Future
Hello, Sunrise Families!
As we head into Spring Break, we have exciting news to celebrate. Our Orchestra students and families did an outstanding job last month, raising an impressive $3,436.10 for their program! The SRMS PTO was also honored to receive a $500 Walmart Spark Good grant (Store #2766) to support our ongoing mission of enriching the student and staff experience.
Looking ahead, our 3rd Annual Silent Auction (April 20–27) is growing daily—we are especially grateful for the generous support from our very own Sunrise family at Forma Plastic Surgery.
Please read on for the full PTO news, including volunteer shout-outs and details on how your support makes a difference. We wish all of our students, staff, and families a wonderful and restful Spring Break!
In Partnership,
Your 2025-2026 SRMS PTO Board ❤️💛
Sandy Lê-Giguère - President
Amanda Watsky - Vice President
Matt Wells - Treasurer
Savita Swaroop - Secretary
Holly Grover - UPC Representative
Important School & PTO Dates
3/5: Governing Board Meeting at 6:30 PM
3/9 – 3/13: StuGo Spirit Week
3/11:
- Spring Training-Themed Staff Appreciation Lunch
- 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM: PTO Dine-out Fundraiser at Oregano’s (event flyer)
- UPC’s 2026 Teacher & Staff Appreciation Recognitions Due
3/13: 3rd Quarter Grading Period Ends
3/16 – 3/20: Spring Break – No School
3/25: 8:45 – 11:00 AM - UPC Meeting (in-person & Zoom) | Monthly Meeting & Presentation - Potential Maintenance & Operation (M&O) and District Additional Assistance (DAA) Overrides
3/31:
- AzSCI Test | Parts I, II, III
- Early Release at 12:00 PM | Teacher Professional Development
Through 4/4: Get involved and make a difference! Nominations accepted for 2026 – 2027 SRMS PTO board officers.
- President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary - elections on 4/7/26
- Please email azsunrisepto@gmail.com for questions or information.
Thank you so much to Sunrise's amazing families for your support throughout the year! Each month, we'll give special shout-outs to everyone who has helped the PTO in our mission to support the staff, students, and programs at SRMS.
February SRMS Staff Appreciation | Trail Mix Bar Sponsors:
Jennifer Rock, Katie Cordello, Stephanie Howard, Wendy Heller, Jen Brooks, Stephanie Markman, Johanna Graff, Brittany Martin, Emily Nelson, Ashley Jessup, Tiffany Gravdahl, Holly Grover
SRMS Orchestra Direct-Give Donors:
Emery family, Debra Pulver, Stillwell family, Moreno family
The Orchestra Fundraiser Results:🎻
We have some truly remarkable news to share! The SRMS Orchestra fundraiser has officially wrapped up, and the community spirit was louder than a percussion section! 🥁
Together, we raised a grand total of $3,436.10 for our talented musicians.
We are so proud of Mrs. Tanaka’s Orchestra students! They showed incredible dedication—so much so that they actually surpassed their initial sales goal. We increased that goal, and they blew that one out of the water, too! This is a remarkable achievement.🚀
This total was made possible through two successful efforts:
$2,076.10 from our Zag Catalog Fundraiser 🛍️
$1,360.00 via the SRMS PTO’s Direct Give Drive 🎁
A special round of applause goes to our top three sellers: Kaiya T. (1st!), Annabel C. (2nd), and Molly B. (3rd)!
How Your Support Makes a Difference 🎶
This fundraiser isn’t just about the number on the page; it’s about providing our students with a world-class music education. The money we raised will go directly to supporting the Orchestra program, including:
🎼 New Sheet Music: Expanding the repertoire of the SRMS Orchestra.
🎻 Vital Accessories: Ensuring every student has access to quality bows, rosin, strings, and shoulder rests.
✨ Disneyland Performance Scholarships: Providing scholarships to ensure that every student has the opportunity to perform at Disneyland, a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
This achievement would not have been possible without your support. Every catalog purchase, every direct donation, and every word of encouragement makes a direct impact on the lives of these students.
Thank you for believing in the power of music and for supporting the artists of the future!
To keep this momentum going, we are looking for parents to lead the way next year! We are currently accepting nominations for our April 7th elections.
No prior experience is needed—just a heart to serve our students and staff! Our current board has streamlined all templates and processes, so you’ll have a clear roadmap and plenty of support. These roles are a wonderful way to get to know the school from the inside out.
Open Positions:
President: The "Team Lead." You’ll act as the main point of contact for the Principal and staff, help guide PTO activities, and lead our casual monthly/quarterly meetings. Along with the Treasurer, you’ll help dream up and co-manage our fundraising efforts.
Vice President: The "Creative Partner." You’ll act as a key leadership partner to the President, stepping in to lead meetings if they can't make it. This is a great role for someone who enjoys digital outreach, like posting to social media or helping put together this newsletter.
Treasurer: The "Financial Steward." You’ll keep us on track by managing the budget and recording fundraising income. You’ll also work closely with the President to co-manage our fundraising initiatives and provide simple monthly updates on our progress.
Secretary: The "Communicator." You’ll help keep us organized by taking notes at meetings and ensuring our board members and school community stay in the loop with clear, friendly communication.
Interested or just want to chat about what a role entails? Reach out to azsunrisepto@gmail.com! We’d love to have you on the team.
Are you interested in learning more about some of Sunrise's stellar staff members, their favorites, and wish lists? If so, please check out the Staff Spotlights. We will be sharing additional spotlights throughout the school year!
What is the United Parent Council? The UPC consists of volunteers from across PVSchools working together to enhance the educational experience for all students. UPC:
- Supports PV Schools’ parent group organizations and school communities.
- Facilitates communication and information between families and the District.
- Celebrates the accomplishments of the schools, teachers, principals, staff, and students in PV.
- Collaborates with various organizations to provide valuable information and resources on relevant topics.
Updates from the UPC:
Next UPC Meeting:
The next UPC Meeting is Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 9 a.m. Please arrive a few minutes early for a Meet and Greet with fellow UPC Reps from 8:45-9:00 a.m. and to meet members of the Superintendent's Cabinet, it's a great way to connect. The 9:00 a.m. monthly business meeting will begin with important district updates and information shared by District representatives, followed by UPC's committee reports and general business. The Parent Program will follow at 10:15 a.m. Stay informed and join us for “Potential Maintenance & Operation (M&O) and District Additional Assistance (DAA) Overrides,” presented by Jill Barragan, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations. This is a valuable opportunity to better understand school funding, what potential overrides mean, and how continuation of this funding impacts PVSchools.
From Membership:
Join us after the March 25th meeting for a buy-your-own lunch at Venezia's (15620 North Tatum Blvd.). It’s a great opportunity to continue the conversation, connect with other parents, and enjoy some time together. We hope to see you there!
From the UPC Gifted Education Committee:
Gifted Showcase is March 7, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shadow Mountain High School. This year, the event will be combined with Sights and Sounds and the STEAMposium, bringing together the exceptional Fine Arts, STEAM, and Gifted programs across PVSchools. Come support and celebrate the incredible creativity, innovation, and talent of our students!
Our next Parent Program will take place on March 31, 2026 from 6-7 p.m. at Sky Crossing Elementary. Engage in a dynamic conversation with a panel of PV Gifted Specialists focused on strategies to support the gifted child. This program will be recorded and a Zoom link is available HERE for those who prefer to attend virtually.
From the UPC Special Education Committee:
The next Parent Program will be held on Tuesday, April 14, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the District Administration Offices. Join us to learn about Planning for the Future: Guardianship, Special Needs Trusts, and ABLE Accounts. This informative session will provide guidance and practical information for families planning ahead.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation:
Nominations are open! Parents and students are invited to nominate a teacher or school-site staff member (like a bus driver, cafeteria, front office, nurse, assistant, etc.) from the current school year who has made a difference by going above and beyond for the students of PVSchools. Please submit a nomination and tell us why that person has earned your appreciation. The nomination form is available on UPC's website, www.pvupc.org (Recognition Nomination Form Links). All recipients will be recognized in person at a special ceremony on the evening of May 5 at North Canyon High School and through a slide presentation shown at a Governing Board meeting and on UPC's social media pages.
*Message for UPC Reps:
- Please meet with your Board and Principal to plan how to share the nomination form and then recognize recipients at your school. Be creative!
- Please invite your Principal to attend the May 5 ceremony and to share the date with teachers and staff.
- Please consider volunteering a few hours - or more - with this amazing committee.
Geri L. Morgan Award:
United Parent Council's Geri L. Morgan Volunteer Award honors volunteers who display dedication and service to community as exemplified by late UPC member Geri Morgan. In her memory, UPC annually recognizes a consummate volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution of service. Often it is that passionate, devoted, yet humble volunteer who is doing amazing things that benefit the entire school community. Nominations are open until March 11, 2026. The nomination form is available on UPC's website, www.pvupc.org (Recognition Nomination Form Links). The selected recipient will be honored in person at a Governing Board meeting, and all nominees will be recognized through a slide presentation shown at the Governing Board meeting and on UPC's social media pages.
Outreach Committee:
The PVEA Prom Boutique, "A Night in Paradise," provides free clothing, shoes, and accessory shopping to all PVUSD students showing school ID. This amazing program makes it possible for all students to attend and enjoy their school prom in style through its classy shop of donated fashions. The boutique is located at Sweetwater Community School, 4215 E. Andora Dr., and is open on:
- March 28 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- April 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- April 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- April 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Donations may be brought to the March UPC meeting, or shop the WISH LIST to help fill the boutique racks and shelves.
Upcoming Governing Board Meetings:
There will be a PVUSD Governing Board Special Meeting March 5, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. to consider Superintendent employment/contract issues. Portions of the Special Meeting may be held in a closed Executive Session. Public portions may be attended in person and will be livestreamed.
The next PVUSD Governing Board Meeting is March 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Parents can view the agenda 24 hours before the meeting, posted outside the District office or on the District's website. Members of the public are invited to attend in person or view the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/@PVSchools. Parents may e-mail the Board or submit a Public Comment in advance of the next meeting through the link on the District's website HERE.
Updates from District Committees/Takeaways from the February Program:
There are currently 8 District Committees we have parents serving on.
Calendar Committee
The major focus right now is selecting between two multi-year calendar options, including whether Fall Break and Thanksgiving Break should both be full weeks and how August start dates may shift while preserving 180 instructional days. Families are encouraged to carefully review the upcoming survey options and vote when released. CONTACT: programming@pvupc.org .
DERT (District Emergency Response Team)
DERT focuses on districtwide emergency preparedness, response coordination, and communication protocols to ensure consistent safety practices across schools. The ongoing emphasis is continuous review and refinement of procedures to strengthen readiness. Families with safety-related questions should connect with their school site leadership. CONTACT: info@pvupc.org.
Information Technology Committee (ITC)
ITC continues to work on digital citizenship, AI guidance, data governance, cybersecurity, and district technology infrastructure. The primary focus this year has been developing Student AI Use Guidelines to create shared language and expectations for teachers, students, and parents. Please view the presentation slides linked below for additional information on the AI guidelines proposal and other work of ITC. Families seeking more information or wishing to provide input can e-mail technology@pvupc.org.
Literature List Committee
The primary work involves reviewing and evaluating instructional reading materials to ensure alignment with curriculum standards, age appropriateness, and district policy. The committee provides a structured process for addressing questions about instructional texts, and families with concerns or feedback can e-mail membership@pvupc.org.
PV Family Handbook Committee
The committee is conducting its annual line-by-line review, with discussion this year centered on student technology use, new state legislation affecting food in schools, communication clarity, and other updates. Once draft revisions are finalized, the updated Handbook will move to the Governing Board for review and approval. Families seeking more information or wishing to provide input can email technology@pvupc.org.
Theatre Rubric Committee
The Theatre Rubric Committee is developing evaluation criteria for selecting theatre productions, with attention to educational merit, artistic growth, age appropriateness, content sensitivities, and community fit. The goal is to support meaningful performing arts experiences while maintaining alignment with district values. Questions or feedback can be directed to membership@pvupc.org.
Transportation and Bell Times Committee
The central focus is recommended changes to school start and end times across high school, middle school, and elementary tiers to improve transportation efficiency and bus routing logistics. Some schools may shift tiers or adjust start times as proposals move forward. Recommendations are currently being reviewed by the Governing Board. Questions or feedback can be directed programming@pvupc.org.
Library Titles Review Committee
By Arizona State law, the District must allow for parents to review any new book titles to be approved for potential purchase and addition to the school libraries. School media technicians and principals can propose titles twice each year. The committee will begin its Spring review in March. After approved and purchased, parents always have options to view, limit, or restrict titles checked out by their children. CONTACT: membership@pvupc.org.
Click HERE to view the presentation slides containing committee descriptions and additional updates.
Stay Connected:
Follow us on social media for reminders, updates, and announcements.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrisemspto
Email: azsunrisepto@gmail.com
Web: https://www.azsunrisemspto.org/
You can also fill out this Google Form if you would like to volunteer your time or connect on upcoming committees with the SRMS PTO. Donations of time are welcome!