Inspiring Excellence

Casa Grande Union High School District | July 2025

Dear CGUHSD Learning Community,

What an exhilarating time of year it is, filled with a palpable sense of hope and eagerness as families and students alike eagerly anticipate the dawn of a new school year. The air buzzes with excitement as fresh school supplies are neatly lined up, bright and colorful, ready to embark on another journey of learning and discovery.

Welcome to our vibrant community of learners! We are thrilled to have you join us on this exciting journey. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting you every step of the way as you pursue your aspirations and turn your dreams into reality. Together, we'll explore new ideas, foster growth, and create a space where your potential can truly shine.

To our esteemed Seniors of the Class of 2026, we are excited to offer you a wealth of resources, unwavering encouragement, and engaging learning opportunities designed to help you successfully achieve your diploma by May. We are here to support you every step of the way on this important journey!

High school is the culmination of your K-12 education, and, at CGUHSD, we strive to ensure that all students thrive in their academic classes and extracurricular activities, and maintain a healthy well-being. We offer a range of programs aimed at achieving our goal of ensuring all students thrive. The Search Institute defines thriving as knowing your spark, having the resources to develop it, and the opportunity to practice it.

There is also a significant correlation between thriving and graduating, which aligns with our CGUHSD Mission: that all students will graduate college and/or be career-ready.

The best advice I can offer, all our over 4,000 students, is to get involved in school activities, allowing you to connect with our learning community and other students who share similar interests. High school was one of the best and enjoyable times of my life. I want you to have the same experiences.

This year, we are placing a strong emphasis on continuous improvement as an organization, a vital endeavor that will empower us to fulfill our mission of ensuring that every student graduates fully prepared for college and/or a successful career. To aid this process, we will be implementing a series of feedback surveys and pulse checks designed to gather your invaluable insights on our current practices and efforts. We recognize the critical role we play in serving this vibrant learning community, where the stakes are high, as they directly impact your educational journey and overall experiences. Your voices are crucial in shaping our path forward, and we are committed to listening and evolving based on your feedback.

A new state law restricts the use of cell phones on campus for students, allowing them only for educational and emergency purposes. This will require a change in habits for everyone. The new policy adopted by our Governing Board to comply with the Arizona State Law is posted on our website. It is important to note that this law applies only to students, not to staff. Staff members will continue to have their cell phones, as they are essential for communication during schoolwide emergencies, such as lockdowns.

Cell phones have significantly transformed our society by offering instant communication and easy access to information, which contributes to their popularity. However, there is evidence that they have negatively impacted road safety, productivity at work and school, and our overall well-being, largely due to the influence of social media. By limiting cell phone use on our campuses, we can encourage more appropriate usage and help mitigate these negative effects.

As your superintendent, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to all students and their families for a remarkable and fulfilling year ahead. Your safety and success are not just priorities; they are the cornerstone of my dedication to our community. Together, let’s strive for an enriching educational experience where every student can thrive and achieve their dreams.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if I can assist you.

Sincerely,

Jeff Lavender

Superintendent

Employee of the Month