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District Dispatch Newsletter May 2026

Posted Date: 05/04/26 (04:00 PM)


May Newsletter

Hello May!

We made it! As another school year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect. Join us for a look back at our high-energy April and a preview of what’s coming as we cross the finish line of the 25-26 school year!
 
Happy child. Re-enroll now!

Help us plan for your student’s 2026–2027 school year

The finish line for this year is in sight, which means planning for next year is already in full swing. To ensure we have the right staff, class sizes, and transportation ready for your student, we need you to complete re-enrollment today.

Please visit ajusd.org/enroll now to secure your student’s placement.

Completing this short process prevents last-minute scheduling delays and allows our team to finalize rosters with your child in mind. If you're stuck, reach out to your school registrar today for one-on-one help.
Re-Enroll Today!
 

Campus Spotlights

Nature Takes Flight at the Early Learning Center

Our TLC preschoolers reached an exciting milestone recently as they released their class-raised butterflies and ladybugs!

After weeks of observing and learning about the life cycles of these tiny creatures, students gathered in the campus garden for the big moment. There was plenty of excitement as the children gently set them free and watched their fluttery friends head off to their new homes.

It was a wonderful, hands-on conclusion to a lesson on growth and nature. Congratulations to our youngest learners on a successful release!

Senior Athletes Honored at Final Spring Home Game

Apache Junction High School celebrated the talent and dedication of our spring athletes with a special Senior Night ceremony.

Just before the final home baseball game, seniors from each spring sport gathered on the pitcher's mound to be recognized before their community for the hard work and commitment they have shown throughout their final season.

The evening was capped off with a thrilling performance on the diamond, as the Varsity Baseball team closed out their home season with an exciting 9-8 victory over ALA Ironwood.

Congratulations to all of our spring senior athletes on an incredible year and a memorable final home game.

Bravo! Cactus Canyon Junior High Stuns in Disney Classic

Cactus Canyon Junior High students took center stage in April for their presentation of Beauty and the Beast Jr.

Hosted at the PAC, the production showcased the incredible hard work and dedication of our performing arts students. It was an evening filled with magic and talent, and we are so proud of everyone involved in making this show a success.

Second Graders Shine a Light on Science at Four Peaks

Mrs. Davis’s second-grade class at Four Peaks explored the phases of the moon in April through an engaging, hands-on science lesson. After spending the week building their own detailed moon models, students brought their classroom learning to life with an interactive experiment.

Using flashlights to represent the sun, the students observed firsthand how light creates the different lunar phases on their models. This activity allowed them to visualize complex scientific concepts while fueling their curiosity about the solar system. It was a bright day of discovery for these young scientists!

Spring STEAM Night Reaches New Heights at Peralta Trail

Peralta Trail Elementary hosted an exciting Spring STEAM Night, bringing students and families together for an evening of hands-on exploration. Participants dove into a variety of creative activities, from planting vegetables to crafting custom bird-feeders.

The highlight of the event was the annual egg drop challenge. Students engineered their own protective contraptions, which were then put to the ultimate test as Principal Smith dropped them from 75 feet in the air with the assistance of Superstition Fire & Medical.

It was an incredible evening dedicated to fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for science!

First Graders Take Ownership of Learning at Desert Vista

In Mrs. Barentine's first-grade classroom at Desert Vista, students are taking a hands-on approach to their academic journeys by updating their Data Binders. These binders serve as essential visual tools, housing test scores, past assignments, and attendance records to help students track their personal growth throughout the year.

By actively monitoring their own progress, these young learners are developing into confident leaders. This process encourages a sense of responsibility and pride in their achievements, laying a strong foundation for future success. Way to go, young leaders!

Kindergarten Students Reach a Major Milestone at The Classical Academy

At The Classical Academy at Superstition Mountain, Mrs. Jones's kindergarteners have been working hard to master their numbers. The class reached a significant goal by counting all the way to 100 together, demonstrating their growing mathematical skills.

Following their group success, students created individual number lines to practice counting with increased confidence and accuracy. This hands-on activity helped reinforce their understanding of number sequences and mathematical foundations.

Way to go, kinders!
 

AJUSD Celebrates Student Success in District Math Competition

Math Bee

Mathletes Shine at the Annual Math Bee!

Join us in celebrating the incredible problem-solvers who represented our schools with pride! We are so impressed by the hard work, focus, and spirit of competition shown by every student who participated.

Congratulations to our 2026 champions!

Third Grade Results
  • Team Standings: 1st: Peralta Trail, 2nd: Four Peaks, 3rd: Desert Vista
  • Individual Winners: 1st: Tulleigh Troutt (PTES), 2nd: Thor Farnsworth (FPES), 3rd: Kannin Carr (PTES)
Fourth Grade Results
  • Team Standings: 1st: Tie – Four Peaks and Peralta Trail, 2nd: Desert Vista, 3rd: The Classical Academy
  • Individual Winners: 1st: James Ellsworth (PTES), 2nd: Karsten Halsey (PTES), 3rd: Tie – Nathan Hernandez Castrejon (FPES), Remy Hanley (DVES), Joseph Milliron (FPES), Dorian Schweizer (CASM)
Fifth Grade Results
  • Team Standings: 1st: Four Peaks, 2nd: Peralta Trail, 3rd: Desert Vista
  • Individual Winners: 1st: Geovanna Riccobono (FPES), 2nd: Emmalynne Woody (PTES), 3rd: Tie – Bryson Bell (DVES), Cashton Trisoliere (FPES)

A huge thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive families, and the entire community for making this event such a success.
 
AJUSD Flex

Your Life. Your Schedule. Your AJUSD Flex.

Ready to take control of your student’s schedule? AJUSD Flex is officially here, and it’s a game-changer! We believe school should fit your life, not the other way around. Whether you want to enroll in a single course, dominate in high school athletics, or join us at the Early Learning Center for hands-on support days, the choice is yours.

You get the ultimate flexibility without sacrificing the "extras"—certified teachers, campus activities, and the unbeatable AJUSD community are all included. Don't wait to build your perfect school year!

Start your journey at: ajusd.org/flex

Need a guide? Your school registrar is ready and waiting to walk you through the steps!
Learn More
 

Help for When School Feels Hard — Cartwheel Connects You Fast

Cartwheel

Support Doesn’t Stop for Summer

If your child is struggling with learning, mood, or school anxiety, Cartwheel is here to help all summer long. Our virtual mental health partner connects students with licensed therapists in days—not months.

  • Flexible: Appointments available afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
  • Accessible: Care is provided in multiple languages, including Spanish.
  • Affordable: Most private insurance is accepted, and services are free for those on Medicaid.
No referral or crisis is needed to get started. Not sure if therapy is the right fit? Schedule a parent guidance session to discuss your concerns and get practical advice.

Take the first step today: Click here.
 

Mark Your Calendars!

May 2026
6th - Early Release Day
21st - Last Day of School/Early Release
Reminders
 

Join the AJUSD Family!

Trainer needed

Looking for a Training Job?

Apache Junction High School is seeking a dedicated Athletic Trainer to support our student-athletes and ensure the success of our sports programs. In this role, you will be the first line of defense for student health, providing expert injury prevention, emergency care, and rehabilitation services for our athletes.

Ready to help our athletes stay in the game?

Find out more and apply today: ajusd.org/careers.
Teachers needed

Our Elementary Schools Need You!

AJUSD is hiring multiple Elementary School Teachers for the coming school year. We seek caring, energetic educators to teach core subjects, design engaging lessons, assess student progress, and build strong classroom communities. We offer competitive pay, a supportive professional community, and benefits for full-time staff. Join us and make a real difference in the lives of Apache Junction students.

 

A Thought for May

“The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.” — Maya Angelou

May is a month of dualities. We are simultaneously crossing finish lines and standing at new starting gates. In our hallways, this looks like a senior donning a cap and gown, a preschooler "bridging" to kindergarten, and every student in between realizing they are no longer who they were last July.

A milestone is more than a ceremony; it is the evidence of a year’s worth of persistence. It is the culmination of every early morning, every corrected mistake, and every breakthrough in the classroom. As we celebrate these achievements, we aren't just looking backward at what was finished, we are looking forward at the potential of what comes next.

This month, join us in honoring these transitions. Whether you are attending a graduation, a classroom celebration, or a final performance, take a moment to recognize the growth that made these days possible. Let’s recognize the resilience of our students and the bright futures that await each and every one of them.

Thank you for walking this path with us. Let’s finish strong and begin anew with pride and joy.

Dr. Robert Pappalardo
Superintendent, AJUSD
 
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