Creighton Community Newsletter

What is a “District Additional Assistance Override” (Capital Override)?

A District Additional Assistance (DAA) Override allows school district voters to approve the maintenance of resources such as; technology upgrades, replacements, and enhancements, curricular materials, and furniture, fixtures and equipment (including classroom safety resources). The DAA override would allow the district to continue the 10% (not to exceed $2.9 Million) District Additional Assistance Override originally approved by voters in 2014. If approved, the election authorizes this funding for an additional seven years.

Has the district been operating under a “District Additional Assistance Override” (Capital Override)?

Yes, Creighton School District has been operating under a 10% (not to exceed $2.9 Million) District Additional Assistance Override authorized by voters in 2014 and 2020.

What does the “District Additional Assistance Override” (Capital Override) pay for?

Increasing and/or maintaining access to:

• Technology replacements, upgrades, and enhancements
• Curricular materials
• Furniture, fixtures and equipment (including classroom safety resources)

What will the “District Additional Assistance Override” (Capital Override) cost me?

For your personal tax impact, check your tax bill. The owner of an average home in the district (limited property value of $284,480) would continue to pay an estimated annual tax amount of $118.57 a year. This equals $41.684 per $100,000 of assessed limited property value.

Will I have to pay additional taxes if the District Additional Assistance Override continuation passes?

No, the estimated secondary tax rate for the proposed District Additional Assistance Override is approximately equal to the existing secondary tax rate for the current District Additional Assistance Override.

How much does the district have to cut its budget if the “District Additional Assistance Override” (Capital Override) fails?

If the override is not continued, the district will need to reduce its capital budget by approximately $2.9 Million per year.

How will the override appear on my ballot?

On the ballot it is referred to as a “BUDGET INCREASE.”

Student leaders in action!

This month, our Kids Congress students came together to learn, reflect, and set the tone for how they’ll lead across our district.

Students explored the Mood Meter and worked together to create a class charter, establishing shared expectations for how they will behave, communicate, and interact with others at their schools

We’re proud of our student leaders for using their voices to help build positive, welcoming school communities. Thank you for all you do for Creighton!

Sometimes the smallest moments turn into the biggest memories.

What started as one little boy’s love for the school bus became something none of us expected. Our Creighton students noticed him waving at the bus every day and decided to sing Happy Birthday to him as they passed by. That sweet moment quickly went viral!

And now, he got to take his very own ride on the same school bus he loves to wave at every day! From a wave, to a birthday song, to a memory he’ll never forget. This is what makes our Creighton community so special.

On September 10, the Native American Program Family Gathering brought together nearly 70 family members for an evening of hands-on learning, Indigenous cultural education, and connection.

Students learned through a hands-on white corn cookie dough workshop with Chef Denella, exploring food traditions and cultural teachings while measuring, mixing, and creating their own take-home dough. Families also received the hardcover book Remember by Joy Harjo to add to their home libraries, connecting students to Indigenous literature and perspectives.

Ché Bradford also shared strategies for supporting literacy at home, including ways families can access Clever to provide individualized learning opportunities for their children beyond the classroom.

Most importantly, our quarterly gatherings and field trips give students meaningful opportunities to learn about Indigenous cultures, traditions, teachings, and community while building friendships and strengthening relationships with other Native families. These experiences are helping create a strong, connected Native American Program community!

Michael Pruitt, Art Teacher and Michele Brewer, 3rd-grade Teacher at Excelencia School were surprised this week with the APS Supply My Class award worth $500! Congratulations to these very deserving teachers.

Learning sounds pretty good at Gateway School!

We stopped by Ms. Foxman’s music class, where students learned all about musical notes and then put their learning into action by playing the glockenspiel to finish class!

Thank you, Ms. Foxman, for creating a classroom where students can learn, explore, and have fun while making music. We love seeing learning come to life!

IMA students had some special guests stop by as Arizona Cardinals players Mack Wilson Sr. and Cody Simon visited for the Cardinals’ new Lunch Buddies program!

The players jumped right into the lunchtime fun, connecting with students, helping out during lunch, handing out special treats and prizes, and recognizing students for excellent attendance. It was an afternoon filled with smiles, encouragement, and memories our Panthers won’t soon forget!

Thank you to the Arizona Cardinals, Mack Wilson Sr., and Cody Simon for spending time with our students and making lunchtime extra special!

Loma Linda alumna Valeria Venzor was selected as an Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader and was a part of the City of Phoenix's 9/11 Remembrance Youth Panel where they were able to ask insightful questions to first responders who were at Ground Zero. You can watch the video below.

The Creighton Academy student, Leo started his own podcast "The Dig" discussing all things dinosaurs! Give Leo a listen and be prepared to learn some fun facts about velociraptors!

Last week's Community Council Meeting brought our Creighton community together for an evening of learning, conversation, and connection.

We shared more about this year’s literacy initiative, heard a special read-aloud from Superintendent Jay Mann, got a look at photos from the Biltmore Preparatory Academy remodel, and discussed our Student Outcomes Focused Governance (SOFG) goals for the year.

Our families and community members also had the opportunity to connect directly with our principals, ask questions, and share conversations about what’s happening across our schools. Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to partner with us as we work together for our students!

Early literacy forms the foundation for a child's educational journey, language development, and long-term academic success. Building strong reading skills early in life enhances vocabulary, strengthens comprehension, and fosters critical thinking. Beyond academics, early reading nurtures imagination, curiosity, and emotional empathy.

Tips & Tricks for Promoting Literacy at Home

• Read Together Daily: Set aside 15–20 minutes every day to read aloud. Let your child pick books that match their interests to keep them engaged.

• Point Out Words in Everyday Life: Point to labels, street signs, store banners, and grocery lists to help children connect printed words with their real-world meanings.

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: While reading, ask questions like "What do you think will happen next?" or "How do you think that character feels?" to build comprehension and critical thinking skills.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space: Designate a cozy, comfortable corner in your home with easy access to a variety of age-appropriate books.

• Make Writing Fun: Encourage drawing, tracing letters, and scribbling lists or letters to family members to build fine motor skills and letter recognition.

• Model Reading Behavior: Let your children see you reading books, news, or magazines. Children naturally imitate the habits of the adults around them.