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During the recent meeting of the governing board, we honored our Bee Recognized Award recipients for the month of November 2023. Join us in extending our congratulations to Dr. Rogelio Longoria, who serves as a School Psychologist, Celina Cortez, a dedicated 2nd Grade Teacher at Amberlea Elementary School, and Angie Martinez, Title I Parent & Family Educator. Their invaluable contributions to our schools, district, and community are truly immeasurable!
We are thrilled to congratulate Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Cruz, who, on Thursday, October 26th, was honored at the K-12 Innovation Alliance Summit 2023. Dr. Cruz was awarded with the Innovation Alliance Education Impact Award by the K-12 Innovation Alliance. This prestigious accolade recognizes her exceptional leadership and relentless dedication to the district. Dr. Cruz, with her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Pendergast District, serves as a shining example of such impactful and transformative leadership.
During the recent meeting of the governing board, we honored our Bee Recognized Award recipients for the month of October 2023. Join us in extending our congratulations to Diane Ganser, who serves as a School Bus Driver, Rebecca Murillo, a dedicated 5th Grade Teacher at Sunset Ridge Elementary School, and Marlene Ramirez, a School Bus Attendant. Their invaluable contributions to our schools, district, and community are truly immeasurable!
Villa de Paz Elementary to receive facility upgrades.
Our amazing Pendergast staff and students from our STEAM & Chief Science Officers' Program get highlighted in the Arizona Parenting Back to School Guide.
To read the full story or to learn more about the STEAM & CSO Program at Pendergast District, please click on Keeping Science Fun By Claire LaBeaux (pages 23-26).
Villa de Paz Construction Project Set in Motion, Creating New Opportunities for Pendergast District Students
Pendergast Elementary School District (PESD) honored as District of Distinction for Use of Imagine Learning English Language (EL) Education.
Pendergast District has been recognized as a 2022-2023 District of Distinction for its exceptional use of Imagine Learning EL Education. The prestigious award was presented to only 301 schools or districts across the country out of over 21,000. The selection was based on the review of the program usage for the current school year, and Pendergast was chosen for meeting the rigorous usage standards required for a District of Distinction designation.
ParentSquare, the new communication platform, allows parents and guardians in the Pendergast District to receive all of their communications from the district, schools, classrooms and school activity groups in one unified app and service.
Amberlea at a Glance
Amberlea Elementary School is a Kindergarten - 8th Grade school located in the West Valley of Phoenix. We are currently in the process of becoming a Performing Arts Academy. We are excited to share that we will be providing a unique curriculum that interweaves rigorous academics and performing arts, music, theatre, and dance. We believe that sustained experiences in the performing arts teach creative problem-solving and build confidence and inclusivity among students. Along with our high academic standards and an intellectually stimulating curriculum, Amberlea is a school like no other.
Through our annual World of Dance Competition, students from across the Pendergast District are introduced to different dance forms found in musical theatre, ballet, hip-hop, creative movement, contemporary, and so much more. Students focus on coordination, listening, and rhythm as they are challenged in conditioning, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
In the Pendergast District, you will find robotics, jewelry design, coding, architecture, and music production at every school throughout the Pendergast District. In FUSE, students choose what to work on and set the pace. This means they emerge engaged, excited, and eager for more. STEAM Challenges are designed to get harder as students progress. FUSE teaches students how to use real world technologies while exploring topics they already love. Since challenges are designed around student interests, there is something for everyone to get excited about.
As students learn, they naturally share their new discoveries. A new culture of learning emerges as students celebrate each other's successes and overcome any setbacks along the way.
Participating in sports at an early age offers several benefits that extend well beyond the physical aspects of regular exercise. Specifically, the social benefit of sports participation provides an unparalleled environment for hands-on learning and behavioral growth.
Here are the sports we currently offer throughout the Pendergast Elementary School District:
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Cheer
- Track & Field
- Flag Football
Amberlea Elementary, Desert Horizon Elementary, and Villa de Paz Elementary have joined Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon's award-winning education initiative, which addresses barriers to digital inclusion. In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program provides free devices, internet access and innovative learning programs to help give under-resourced students the technology, education and opportunity they deserve. Being part of the program will keep students connected, helping to facilitate learning from anywhere-in the classroom, at home or in hybrid learning environments. Powered by a next-gen, technology-infused education model, Verizon Innovative Learning also equips each school with a technology coach and provides professional development support for teachers to effectively integrate technology into the classroom.
In partnership with Desert Sounds, the Pendergast District is introducing a Mariachi Program for the 2022-23 school year. Mariachi has strong cultural roots in storytelling and Mexican history and is a great way for children of all backgrounds to immerse themselves in an interactive learning experience.
The program dives into the unique history and culture of Mariachi Music. Students become more connected to a deep cultural tradition and community with performance opportunities. For many students, this will be their first experience playing an instrument or mariachi music. Students learn basic musical concepts and how to work together as a mariachi ensemble.
Message from the Principal
Hello Amberlea Community,
I am Marisa Barrio, the proud Principal of Amberlea Elementary School. I am beyond excited about the 2023-24 school year. It is my passion to serve the community, empower learners, and provide students with the proper tools and resources that will help them succeed in their future aspirations. I am extremely proud of all the success that our students, staff, and community have accomplished. I cannot wait to witness all of the great things that we will continue to do this school year and beyond.
Sincerely,
Ms. Marisa Barrio
Principal