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Our BRAGS! Honors, Awards and Special Programs |
• See ALL CUSD Brags • Choose a School or Brag Category • BRAG about your school! |
Chandler Unified School District (2023-2024) |
Once again, CUSD received an A-rating from the Arizona Department of Education! This top rating is a testament to our unwavering dedication to academic excellence and our relentless pursuit of providing the best possible education for our students. We attribute this growth to our highly dedicated instructional staff and their focus on high-yield instructional strategies for all students to have access to a rigorous and relevant curriculum and content. Click for more details about our letter grade report from the Arizona State Department of Education.
Chandler Unified School District (2023-2024) |
The Chandler Unified School District is embracing Native American Heritage Month by officially proclaiming the significance of this cultural celebration and adorning computer screensavers with inspiring artistic tributes. VIDEO: CUSD Indigenous Heritage Month 2023
Chandler Unified School District (2023-2024) |
In the week of November 6-10, 2023, the Chandler Unified School District joins schools across the United States in commemorating National School Psychology Week (NSPW). Chandler Unified School District employs more than 40 psychologists and two school psychologist interns who play a crucial role in the success and well-being of our students. National School Psychology Week serves to recognize the vital contributions of school psychologists and educators in nurturing the well-being and success of all students. The theme for this year is 'Let's Grow Together,' drawing inspiration from the significance of both individual and collective strengths in our personal growth and the growth of our school communities throughout all stages of life.
Chandler Unified School District (2023-2024) |
The CUSD Marching Band Showcase brought together all six high school marching bands Wednesday, November 1. Students demonstrated musical talents and months of hard work with CUSD's award-winning fine arts programs! #WeAreChandlerUnified VIDEO: CUSD Marching Band Showcase
Chandler Unified School District (2022-2023) |
Four CUSD students are in the next round to be named Flinn scholars. Congratulations to these students and good luck!
- Cameron Bautista, Basha High School
- Sofia Llanos, Basha High School
- Carol Chen, Hamilton High School
- Richa Chirravuri, Hamilton High School
Chandler Unified School District (2022-2023) |
Thank you, Chandler Compadres, and all our community partners. In December, the Compadres took a handful of students holiday shopping. These students and their families are in need of extra support which they receive from our Federal Programs team.
Chandler Unified School District (2022-2023) |
The CARE Center would like to thank the community for making this year's Thanksgiving distribution a huge success. The CARE Center had more families registered this year than years past, and although the donations were lower, they were able to help every family that showed up to the distribution event. Thank you for making this possible!
Did you know Chandler CARE Center provides services all year long? The CARE Center has a food bank, behavioral health center, medical and dental clinic, parenting classes, and much more. The Chandler CARE Center's medical and dental clinic is a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO). You can take the State's QCO tax credit for up to $400 for single filers or $800 married couples. This credit is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit (not a deduction) and is stackable on top of other Arizona State tax credits available (such as the extra-curricular tax credit). VIDEO: Superintendent's Focus on the Chandler CARE Center
Chandler Unified School District (2022-2023) |
Nkiruka Aningo of Knox Gifted Academy, Susana Ceballos of Willis Junior High, and Priscilla Gillison of Hancock Elementary are the recipients of the Intel Teacher Diversity STEAM Grant in 2022. Each recipient receives $1,200 which can go toward their schooling and education.
"With the grants, both Chandler Unified and Intel promote the vision of diversity and equity within the CUSD community, " Director Of CUSD Equity & Inclusion Adama Sallu said.
"Intel is proud to support CUSD educators dedicated to transforming the school-to-STEAM pipeline into an equitable pathway for all students. Most people had a teacher who changed their life for the better. We are investing in teachers who are inspiring families and striving to make Chandler a more vibrant community for everyone," Jenn Sanchez, Intel Arizona Community Manager, said. Read more on the Intel Teacher Diversity STEAM Grant Winners.
Chandler Unified School District (2022-2023) |
Twenty-eight CUSD students earned the AP Capstone Diploma and 7 have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate during the 2021-2022 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for academic success. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
On May 13, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce surprised Shumway Leadership Academy Principal Korry Brenner with the 2022 Administrator of the Year award, Dr. Michael McKelvy from Basha High with the 2022 Educator of the Year award, and office manager Cheri Smith from Arizona College Prep Middle School with the Support Staff of the Year award. They will be recognized at an awards dinner on June 2 at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
CUSD students participated in the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, TX. This year more than 20,000 students from 49 states and 36 countries participated at the VEX Worlds competition. The following high school students, competing together as Team 2647X Endgame, won the "Robot Skills Award" -- one of the top four awards of the entire competition. These talented students began their robotics path as sixth and seventh graders at ACP Oakland and decided to remain together as a private team since they attend different high schools. Huge congratulations to team 2647X:
- Krish Narotam - 12th (Hamilton)
- Andrew Kang - 12th (ACP High School)
- Rahil Shah - 12th (Hamilton)
- Dylan Banhart - 11th (ACP High School)
- Shaan Mukhergee - 11th (Hamilton)
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Superintendent Frank Narducci was named the Horace Mann Ruler of the Month for May in appreciation for all he has done to lead CUSD in his first year at the helm. Congratulations!
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
CUSD Indigenous Education office hosted a senior banquet to honor students in the program. CUSD seniors from all high schools were recognized.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
District Office staff received an ice-cream social for being the top support site in the district United Way fundraiser in the fall.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Chandler Public Library hosted the district finale for Battle of the Books in April. This year, 231 teams with approximately 700 students participated in the Battle of the Books program. Thirty-three schools completed in the district semifinals, the top nine schools competed for the top three spots that move on the regionals. These four teams all scored a perfect score and earned their spots in tie-breaker rounds. We are incredibly proud of their commitment to one another, the program, and their love of reading.
- First Place: CTA Goodman
- Second Place: Santan Elementary
- Third Place: Weinberg Gifted Academy
- Honorable Mention: Tarwater Elementary
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Eighty CUSD students from the Class of 2022 earned a fine arts diploma seal! The Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency is awarded to students who have demonstrated high levels of proficiency and commitment to the Arizona Arts Education Standards through personal expression and creative experiences. Students focus on one or more artistic disciplines: visual arts, theatre, music, dance, and media arts.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
The Governing Board and Superintendent Frank Narducci, honored students, staff, and volunteers at the District Night of Recognition on April 20 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Bogle Junior High School Jazz band provided entertainment. Hamilton High Air Force ROTC presented the colors and Noteworthy, Basha High's chamber choir, sang the National Anthem.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
On April 19, the City of Chandler held the 19th Environmental Art Contest in city council chambers to to recognize nineteen fourth grade winners. Hundreds of school children from private, charter and public schools within the city submitted artwork focused on recycling, water conservation and storm water pollution prevention. Twelve winners from seven Chandler Unified School District schools were winners of this year's contest. Their winning artwork will help promote the City of Chandler's conservation messages though a calendar, poster, city newsletters, social media and more. Congratulations to all the CUSD students!
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: The National History Day state competition was April 9-10 and was held virtually. Chandler Unified had 5 projects/8 students win, and they move on now to Nationals! The top two entries in every category at the state/affiliate level are invited to the National Contest to be held virtually June 12-16.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Dave Thiele, CUSD Director of Transportation, was named the Horace Mann Ruler of the Month for April.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Congratulations to the top-scoring teams from the 2022 CUSD Elementary Track Meet. Riggs Elementary School won for the girls, and Santan Elementary School won for the boys! Thank you to all students and staff who showcased teamwork, spirit, confidence, and camaraderie at the event. Individual Championship Results
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
The elementary school cheerleaders competed in our CUSD Community Education district competition on April 2. Congratulations to the five schools that placed!
Cheer
- Littles (K-2): Hancock - 1st place; Ryan - 2nd place
- Bigs (3-6): Riggs - 1st place; Haley - 2nd place; Ryan - 3rd place
- Littles (K-2): Haley - 1st place; Hancock - 2nd place
- Bigs (3-6): Riggs - 1st place; Auxier - 2nd place; Haley - 3rd place
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
The elementary and junior high district honors orchestra concert on April 5 was a wonderful success. Superintendent Frank Narducci, and the Director of Elementary Education, Leo Schlueter had a blast celebrating the hard work of these students.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
CUSD student councils convened March 31 to show off their spirit and celebrate the hard work collecting hygiene items to benefit the Chandler CARE Center. The theme this year was "Watch Us Lead." Shout out to the high school student councils and the advisors for organizing this event. PHOTO ALBUM: Student Council Convention
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
During break, CUSD Communications Specialist Kimberly Guevara assisted Chandler Horizon Rotary Club and City of Chandler staff with counting school supplies in preparation for Operation Back-to-School in the summer.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Check out the March edition of CUSD News for 2021-22 school year. In this quarterly eNewsletter, we highlight the students, staff, schools and district honors and accomplishments that make Chandler Unified a special place, and the Premier District of Choice. We have a lot to celebrate, so please click to check us out! CUSD News - March 2022
Chandler High (2021-2022) |
Los Lobos de Chandler High School Ballet Folklorico performed at CTA Humphrey for their Multicultural Festival.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS: Chandler Unified School District is proud to announce our 40 National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP) Finalists for 2022. The National Merit Scholarship Program has approximately 1.5 million applicants identified through the PSAT test. The top 50,000 or 4% of students are recognized as Commended and Semi-Finalists. In early February, only 15,000 or the top 1% of students advance to the Finalist stage. (See each school's brag for photos and names by school.) Congratulations to all our finalists!
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Congratulations to the winners of this year's Chandler Innovation Fair (CIF) competition. Thanks to the CIF sponsors, Northrop Grumman, Intel, Waste Management and First Things First, the City of Chandler and the Chandler Unified School District will award six teams with a $500 scholarship award, going toward the winning school/organization science club or nonprofit organization. These teams will be recognized at an upcoming Chandler City Council Study Session:
- ACP High School - Creative
- Anderson Junior High - Educational
- Basha Science is Fun - Passionate
- Degrees of Freedom - Passionate
- Hamilton Art Club - Creative
- Knox Gifted Academy - Educational
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
In partnership with Rabbi Beyo from East Valley JCC, CUSD high school students opted in to experience a virtual field trip of Auschwitz and learn the historical importance of the Holocaust. We're grateful for opportunities our students receive with help from the Chandler community!
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Nineteen elementary schools took part in the CUSD Elementary Choral Festival! The elementary choirs spent the day at the Chandler Center for the Arts working with choir members from other schools to rehearse and perform choral repertoire. Each school also got a chance to sing on stage at the CCA and receive feedback from other schools. The Chandler High School choirs, under the direction of Wendy Umbrianna, also performed for all the elementary schools, and gave the students a look at what awaits them when they continue singing at the secondary level. Thank you to all of the elementary choral directors for making this a fantastic day for their students! PHOTO ALBUM: Elementary Choral Festival
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
CUSD students from 13 schools partipated in the "Valentines for Veterans" project from Congressman Greg Stanton's office. Cards were picked up and delivered to Veterans across the valley on Valentine's Day. Pictured: Cards created by students at Jacobson and Rice Elementary Schools.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
The Chandler Innovation Fair (CIF) on February 19 was an incredible success. CIF featured student innovation as the cornerstone of the event, including the Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair research and projects, student inventions, project-based learning presentations, computer science projects, and robotics showcases.
PHOTO ALBUM: Chandler Innovation Fair
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Chandler Unified School District celebrates Black History Month, and school leaders presented the proclamation and shared examples of Black Excellence in CUSD schools and community. PHOTO ALBUM: CUSD Celebrates Black History Month
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Schools around the district held celebrations for Lunar New Year starting on January 31 to February 15. "Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others. The New Year celebration is usually celebrated for multiple days -- not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar's New Year." - History.com Photo Album: Lunar New Year Celebrations Around CUSD
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Chandler Sports Hall of Fame will induct six from Chandler Unified. CUSD athletes, coaches, and athletic administrators will be celebrated at the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon on Feb 19, 2022, including:
- Dr. Camille Casteel, Chandler Unified School District Retired Superintendent
- Phil Gonzales, Tennis Coach, Hamilton High School
- N'Keal Harry, Football, Chandler High School
- Markus Howard, Basketball, Perry High School
- Cole Luke, Football, Hamilton High School
- Sierra Rodriguez, Softball, Basha High School Chandler Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit 501c3 organization with the purpose of honoring the athletes who have brought recognition to the City of Chandler and who have made a significant contribution to Chandler's athletics community.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
The entries for the City of Chandler's Creative Expression Competition were beautiful art pieces and eloquently crafted essays from students throughout all of Chandler. Each year judges are amazed by the creativity, sincerity, and talent of Chandler students. They mention how essays and artwork like our students make them hopeful toward the future and proud of the next generation. This year's visual art winners are being displayed in Downtown Chandler during the Regional Unity ArtWalk. The banners are officially on display and ready for public viewing. Take a drive down Arizona Avenue in Downtown Chandler to see the inspired work of these students. City of Chandler website: Creative Expression Competition
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Jo Wolf, a retired librarian makes and donates a variety of decorated note cards for the staff to give to students. The cards include words of encouragement, acknowledgement, and gratitude. She has provided over 100 cards every quarter to four elementary schools in CUSD for the past few years. Thank you, Jo, for making our students feel special.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Three staff from CUSD were presented with the City of Chandler's 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr: Keeping the Dream Alive Award. Dr. Adama Sallu, director of equity and inclusion, Chandler High Principal Michael Franklin and Shawn Mitchell, administrator of Chandler Early College were recognized at the inaugural event. This award is in celebration Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who exemplified community leadership and made it the cornerstone of his Civil Rights ministry. In the spirit of Dr. King, Chandler MLK: Keeping the Dream Alive honors Chandler community leaders. Honorees have led the Chandler community forward and have inspired others with their vision, passion, dedication, and leadership.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Four CUSD teachers earned their National Board Certification in December: Courtney Cook (Rice Elementary), Wendy Dafoe (Riggs Elementary), Allison Ekren (Basha Accelerated Middle School) and Cristy Wellik (Ryan Elementary). This brings the total number of CUSD Nationally Board-Certified teachers and staff to 62. Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Four CUSD teachers earned their National Board Re-Certification in December: Jolene Gallup (San Marcos Elementary), Katie Nall (Basha High), Lily Chen (Hamilton High), and Dr. Amy Spilde (Instructional Resource Center). Achieving National Board Certification is a rigorous process, and was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website: Mission and History
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Four current CUSD music educators kicked off the holiday season performing in the pit for The Nutcracker. The production was put on by Southwest Youth Ballet and the Chandler Symphony Orchestra. Pictured from left to right: Angela Storey, Caroline Broomfield, Howard McPhail, and Danelle Kennedy.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
The Chandler Unified School District Central Kitchen hosted a student leader event. Students toured Central Kitchen facilities, participated in a dipping sauce competition, and suggested meals they'd love to see served in their cafeterias. The sauces with the most votes will be featured in an upcoming menu. Facebook PHOTO ALBUM: Central Kitchen Student Leader Event
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Forbes magazine named Chandler Unified School District the top employer in the state of Arizona, ahead of Apple, Costco, American Express and Southwest Airlines. Wow! This is thanks to our employees. We employ the best of the best. Thank you! Forbes Magazine: 2021 Best Employers by State
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Due to the many donations from CUSD schools and the community, the Chandler CARE Center was able to provide 325 families with turkeys and food bags at the Thanksgiving Family Assistance Day. Volunteers from Basha High, Chandler High and Willis Junior High were on hand to help the distribution go smoothly.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
CUSD schools commemorated Veterans Day to honor all those who served and continue to serve our country. PHOTO ALBUM: Veterans Day around CUSD
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Chandler Unified School District Food and Nutrition department has won the BRAVOcado award from the Arizona Department of Education for the execution of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). They operate FFVP at Galveston, San Marcos, Hartford, and Frye. The goal of this grant funded program is to introduce new and exciting produce items to students and to pair distribution with nutrition education. Students are served a variety of produce during the afternoon in classrooms at least two times per week.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Counselors and social workers across the district celebrated Hope Week during the week of November 1. Schools held events and activities such as poster competitions, Wings of hope, Garden of hope, Hope boards, chalk art, Hands On hope, banners, and more. Hope is critical to well-being in all its forms and is recognized as one of the strongest skills required for overall student success. Hope is a learnable and measurable skill that has a sizeable impact on helping to think proactively about the future. Every student deserves to be protected against hopelessness -- they need adults who believe and connect with them in meaningful ways.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
Thank you to the Sun Lakes Rotary who continued their project to distribute 3,198 dictionaries to all third graders at 35 CUSD schools. This is the eighteenth year that the Sun Lakes Rotary has sponsored this event.
Chandler Unified School District (2021-2022) |
In 2020, CUSD staff donated nearly $75,000 through our annual United Way campaign -- approximately $35,000 of which went to the Chandler CARE Center. These donations helped provide CUSD students with approximately 700 medical and dental appointments. The other funds raised went to a variety of charities in our community that helped students and families. The 2021 district United Way campaign is currently under way. All donations to the United Way campaign stay in our community and help the students and families that we serve.