Trending Peoria Presented by Peoria Unified School District

 Throughout the school year staff throughout Peoria Unified have shared their reasons why they choose to work for the district. These reasons could be our amazing benefits or that you work close to home or that Peoria Unified supports your continued professional growth.  The list goes on and is filled with so many good reasons as to why people choose to work in Peoria Unified. Some could say that there are over 36,000 reasons, but in reality, there is just one: our students. In this episode, we are joined by first year teacher and Peoria Unified Alumni Samantha Gosney as she shares why she chooses Peoria Unified!

It has been said that one teacher can change a student's trajectory and make a lasting impact on their life. When you recall your educational journey, you can likely name that one special teacher. For many of the students and alumni of Sunrise Mountain High School, that teacher is Mr. Frank Eager. With a career spanning 24 years at Sunrise Mountain High School, Mr. Eager, an arts educator and basketball coach, has not only witnessed the evolution of education but has been an instrumental force in shaping it.    Want to read more about Mr. Eager? Check out the latest edition of unifiED magazine, arriving in mailboxes in March.

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? Winter break and enjoying the holiday season. Join the Cabinet hosts on this special Trending Peoria holiday episode as they unwrap personal stories. From time honored traditions to creating new ones, get a glimpse into cabinet's cherished memories. This festive episode is just what you need to brighten your holiday season. Tune in for a cozy and joyous celebration with the Cabinet on Trending Peoria.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? Setting our students up for success! Desert Harbor is home to a myriad of programs designed to meet the needs of every sand shark who enters their campus. One of these programs includes the ABLE Program aimed at supporting students with intellectual disabilities and adaptive skills. In order to help each of these learners shine, different support mechanisms are put in place including those that help students communicate. Aiding in this work is Megan Bickford, Speech Language Pathologist, who helps her students become better communicators.

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? Our champion athletics. For students throughout the district, our coaches and athletics departments play an integral role in their success on the field and in the classroom. Today, we are joined by Athletic Director Mark Ernster as we discuss the impact of sports, his reason for working in Peoria Unified and his excitement around the D-Backs World Series run. 

Peoria Unified is home to one of the most robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in the state and is often regarded as a leader in this space. This reputation is one that is seen in all six professional learning strands, thanks to the dedication of Peoria Unified's CTE teachers, many of whom joined the teaching profession as a second career. Mr. Robert Thompson from Peoria High School's automotive program has done just that and is joining us on the Trending Peoria podcast to share why he has dedicated his second career to preparing students for their future.

Join us as we site down once again with Nicole Greene from Sunrise Mountain to discuss what her sophomore year has in store for her. From homecoming celebrations, this year is sure to be a great one for Nicole!

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? Summer! We are wishing you, and your family, have a wonderful summer full of adventures! Oftentimes, students can fall behind over the summer, but our Teaching and Learning team is here to offer you some quick tips to keep your child engaged all summer long. Joining us today areMary Carlson and Devon Moseley, Math Content Coaches, to share how you can integrate mathematics in your summer vacation.

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? Summer! We are wishing you, and your family, have a wonderful summer full of adventures! Oftentimes, students can fall behind over the summer, but our Teaching and Learning team is here to offer you some quick tips to keep your child engaged all summer long. Joining us today, are three of our ELA Content Coaches, to share how you can integrate reading and writing in your summer vacation.

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? Summer! We are wishing you, and your family, have a wonderful summer full of adventures! Oftentimes, students can fall behind over the summer, but our Teaching and Learning team is here to offer you some quick tips to keep your child engaged all summer long. Joining us today, are Christina and Judy, Science and Physical Education Content Coaches, to share how you can integrate science in your summer vacation.

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? Summer! We are wishing you, and your family, have a wonderful summer full of adventures! Oftentimes, students can fall behind over the summer, but our Teaching and Learning team is here to offer you some quick tips to keep your child engaged all summer long. Joining us today, are Michele and Michael, Social Studies Content Coaches, to share how you can integrate social studies in your summer vacation.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? Transporting our students to success! This time of year, it is easy to picture all the places our students will go, but how will they get to all of those places? Behind many of our students' largest accomplishments is a bus driver who helped get them there. In fact, many students throughout Peoria Unified rely on bus drivers to get them to and from school safely. Without our bus drivers, students can't make it to school, their big game or next performance. With them, our students can reach their full potential.   Interested in learning more about becoming a crtifiedd, professional bus driver?  Attend the Bus Driver Interest Meeting any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9 at the Transportation Office, 10721 N. 95th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345.   Ready to get behind the wheel? Peoria Unified is here to support you! With outstanding benefits, state retirement eligibility, hands-on training and a team behind you, there is something for every driver through every stage of their career. Apply today at: https://bit.ly/3UWHJon

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? Standardized testing… with testing season in full swing, we wanted to provide you with a quick episode on the impact of stress. Recently, Andrew from Apache Elementary School completed a ROD-Talk on the power of stress as well as how to combat it.

Safety remains our top priority in Peoria Unified. In seeing an increase in rumors of social media threats this school year, Peoria Unified launched a safety campaign this spring called See Something, Hear Something, Say Something, Do Something. The purpose of the campaign is to encourage students to come forward and tell a trusted adult if they see or hear something that does not seem right, and to not forward potential threats but to report it so that they may be properly investigated.   Today, we are joined by School Resource Office (SRO) Lisa Hale who serves Liberty High School. She shares more information about the role of an SRO, as well as, how we all play a role in school safety.    If you, or someone you know, needs to report a school safety issue, you can do so by calling our Safe School Line anonymously at 623-486-6199.  If a student needs additional support, they can call our Student Support Line at 623-412-5262 or the Teen Lifeline at 602-248-8336. You can learn more about the safety measures we have in place at peoriaunified.org/safety.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? Sports! In Peoria Unified, we offer our students robust opportunities for our students to get a jumpstart in their careers including those in sports journalism. Through the Peoria Student Broadcasting Network, students have the opportunity to go hands on in the field of live broadcasting. PSBN students from across the district work to produce and stream a variety of sports, arts, and news content to a worldwide audience. Today, we are joined by Ethan, Sunrise Mountain High School, and Nathan, Liberty High School, as they discuss what they have learned by participating in PSBN. Visit the PSBN website for more information about the program or to see upcoming events.

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? Kindergarten! Selecting the right school for your child is one of the most critical decisions you can make as a parent. In Peoria Unified, we offer a high-quality educational experience, focusing on academic growth and character development. We want students to experience school in a safe, welcoming, and structured learning environment. Thanks to great teachers like Savannah Miller from Peoria Elementary School, this is possible! There is so much more to kindergarten than learning your 1-2-3's & A-B-Cs! School starts Wednesday, Aug. 9. Save your child's seat and enroll now at www.peoriaunified.org/kindergarten

What's trending in Peoria Unified? Looking Forward! As we begin the spring semester, many of our students are preparing for transitions. Whether your students is getting ready to move from preschool to kindergarten, or from their senior year to college and career, Peoria Unified staff are here to help them. Today, we are joined by Marci Bieber our Lead Guidance Counselor as she shares how we help our high school students prepare for the future. We are also joined by two very special Sunrise Mountain students Annabelle Tran, senior, and Nicole Greene, freshman.

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? The Peoria Unified Family! As we continue to celebrate Peoria High School's 100th anniversary, we are excited to share what it means to be a part of the Peoria Unified Family. For many, Peoria Unified is filled with family members that they are related to and that they have met along the way. Today, we are joined by two brother, Mike and Steve Treguboff, as they share what it was like to attend Peoria High School and their time working in Peoria Unified.

What is currently trending in Peoria Unified? Giving thanks! This time of year, it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle at the start of the holiday season and lose sight of why this time with family is so important. Today I am joined by our Superintendent, his cabinet, and district staff to learn about how they celebrate this time of year and what they are most thankful for. From the entire Peoria Unified family to yours, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving!

What's trending in Peoria Unified? Honoring our Veterans. In Peoria Unified, we are proud to employee veterans from each branch of our military including providing opportunities for our employees to serve in the reserves. Today, we are joined by our current Human Resources Director and Air Force veteran, Matthew Collee. Matthew has served Peoria Unified for many years and works diligently to ensure that every employee is known, valued, cared for and challenged. If you, or anyone you know, are looking for a job in Peoria Unified, please visit jobs.peoriaunified.org.

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? Celebrating our legacy! For over 130 years, Peoria Unified has been educating students in the northwest valley; this year, The Peoria High School is turning 100 years old. In it's long history, Peoria High has served a numerous students through incredible circumstances. As we celebrate Peoria High this school year, we will be introducing you to some of their illustrious alumni. Our first alumni is Mr. Sammy Chagolla who was both a student and a teacher at Peoria High School.

What's currently Trending in Peoria Unified? The MET Professional Academy! Peoria Unified junior and senior students have the direct benefit of attending programs while still in high school that help propel them to careers in the fields of medicine, engineering, technology, bioscience and global business. At the MET Professional Academy, students are affiliated with the CAPS network, a non-profit organization that supports students in professional-based learning environments. The MET prepares students to shape their future and find solutions to the biggest problems facing our community. Depending on the program strand, students may also be able to earn dual enrollment. Today, we are joined by Mrs. Kristen Kaus who works for Translational Genomics Research Institute and is one of our valued MET business partners. We are also joined by current MET student, Scarlett Vieyra. Visit the MET website to learn more.

What's Trending in Peoria Unified? Preparing our students for careers! Peoria Unified is home to many nationally recognized Career and Technical Education programs including our medical assisting program. One aspect of our CTE courses includes giving our students career experience and providing them with internship opportunities. This summer, our high school students partnered with a local rehabilitation clinic to provide our students internships and help them to become certified nursing assistants. On this episode, we are joined by Frank Beard a senior from Raymond S. Kellis and Mrs. Tristan Palmer, a nursing teacher from Sunrise Mountain High School. To learn more about all of our career pathways, attend our Career Pathways Expo on Oct. 13 at Cactus High School.

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? Our School Leaders. Today I am joined by this year's Raymond S. Kellis Leadership Award Recipients that truly exemplify the legacy of Dr. Kellis, Peoria Unified's former superintendent. This year's recipients are everyday leaders who do what they can to ensure that every employee and student of Peoria Unified is set up for success. These leaders include Candy Young the maintenance lead from Apache, Theresa Maitner a teacher from Parkridge and Becky Berhow, principal of Desert Harbor. You can also learn more about all of Peoria Unified's past Raymond S. Kellis Leadership winners on our website.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? Looking forward. With the last two years mostly behind us, we are eager to start this school year out strong knowing that no matter what the obstacle is, we can overcome it as a Peoria Unified family. In this episode, we are joined once again by our superintendent, Dr. Jason Reynolds, as he discusses what he is looking forward to this year.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? Back to School! With the start of a new school year ahead of us, it is so exciting to think of the endless possibilities ahead. In this episode, we are joined by Nicole Greene an incoming freshman at Sunrise Mountain High School as she shares what she is looking forward to this year. Each school year begins with so many possibilities and we cannot wait to see what each and every one of our students accomplishes this year.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? School Choice! In Arizona, it is not uncommon to hear about school choice, and Peoria Unified is proud to be a public school district of choice. Prioritizing student success, we offer programs that meet the needs of and educate each child. This summer, we are going to be highlighting some of the programs that make Peoria Unified a public school district of choice, right here in Arizona. On this episode we will learn more about the Spanish Immersion program at Santa Fe Elementary. Learn more about the Spanish Immersion Program.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? School Choice! In Arizona, it is not uncommon to hear about school choice, and Peoria Unified is proud to be a public school district of choice. Prioritizing student success, we offer programs that meet the needs of and educate each child. This summer, we are going to be highlighting some of the programs that make Peoria Unified a public school district of choice, right here in Arizona. On this episode we will learn more about the Peoria Traditional School. Learn more about the Peoria Traditional School.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? School Choice! In Arizona, it is not uncommon to hear about school choice, and Peoria Unified is proud to be a public school district of choice. Prioritizing student success, we offer programs that meet the needs of and educate each child. This summer, we are going to be highlighting some of the programs that make Peoria Unified a public school district of choice, right here in Arizona. On this episode we will learn more about the STEAM program at Heritage Elementary School. You can learn more about the STEAM program on the Heritage website.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? School Choice! In Arizona, it is not uncommon to hear about school choice, and Peoria Unified is proud to be a public school district of choice. Prioritizing student success, we offer programs that meet the needs of and educate each child. This summer, we are going to be highlighting some of the programs that make Peoria Unified a public school district of choice, right here in Arizona. On this episode we will learn more about the International Baccalaureate program at Ironwood High School. You can learn more about the International Baccalaureate program on the Ironwood High School Website.

Safety remains our top priority in Peoria Unified. This episode was recorded in response to the incredibly tragic events that have unfolded in our country. We are joined by Dr. Jason Reynolds and Mr. Ryan Reese, our head of safety, as they discuss Peoria Unified's safety plan. If you, or someone you know, needs to report a school safety issue, you can do so by calling our Safe School Line anonymously at 623-486-6199. If a student needs additional support, they can call our Student Support Line at 623-412-5262 or the Teen Lifeline at 602-248-8336. You can learn more about the safety measures we have in place at peoriaunified.org/safety. Our hearts and deepest sympathies will continue be with Robb Elementary, and its entire community.

What's currently trending in Peoria? Our Pride in our employees. We all know this year has been one for the books with so many things stacked against public education. Despite all of the obstacles, Peoria Unified employees stepped up and continued doing what they do best: prioritizing students. Each year, we recognize the top one-precent of all employees in our Pride of Peoria Campaign. Today, I am joined by some of our winners as they discuss what being a leader in education means to them, the why behind what they do and so much more! Watch today's guests receive their surprise visit from the Prize Patrol: Mark Harman Maya Rose See all of the 2022 Pride of Peoria Recipients on our website

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? Volunteerism! Over the last few years, our volunteer program has gone through a handful of changes. However, our volunteers remain committed to our district, our schools and our students. This school year, we were so excited and thankful to bring volunteers back to our campuses. This episode includes two outstanding members of the Cactus High School community Ms. Kristi Hammer, the proud principal at Cactus and Lori Blew, a dedicated parent who also volunteers for the Cobra band. Want to learn more about volunteering at one of our schools? Visit our Volunteer website or call your local school.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? Art's Education! Every spring, we honor the thousands of young artists throughout the Peoria Unified at our Annual Art's & Cultural Festival in Old Town Peoria. We are thrilled to bring back this event in person this year after a two year hiatus due to covid! Today, I am joined by our Arts Education Content Coach, Stacy Hamilton, and Junior High Band Teacher, Carrie Melkin, to learn more about this year's Peoria Arts and Cultural Festival, which is the 20th annual event. Learn more about the Arts & Cultural Festival

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? Creating engaging and rigorous curriculum. Our gifted education program provides an increasingly comprehensive, challenging K-12 curriculum to meet the needs and enhance the talents of gifted learners. Peoria Unified is home two magnet schools that prioritize gifted education; these include Apache Elementary's Gifted Academy and the Copperwood Center for Differentiated Instruction. Today, we are joined by our Gifted Coordinator, Katie Lukacsik, to learn about how our teachers create engaging lessons that stick with students throughout their education and beyond. Additionally, we are speaking with April Rodriguez to hear what this looks like in our classrooms and how it increases student achievement.

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? Giving back. Peoria Unified is grateful that we are in the position to support those who need it most. Through the support of our McKenny-Vento Homeless & Foster Care team and our Family Resource Center we are able to serve those most in need. The Peoria Unified Family Resource Center is designed to provide parents and caregivers the tools they need to support the learning and development of their young children. Learn more about homeless services in Peoria Unified. Learn more about the Peoria Unified Family Resource Center. Learn more about Arizona's First Things First agency and programs.

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? The Peoria Education Foundation and their dedication to Peoria Unified! The Peoria Education Foundation has supported student achievement since its founding in 1987. Through grants for teachers, scholarships for students and the new, emergency needs fund, the Foundation is able to provide additional support to the students and staff in our district. Today, I am joined by the President of the Peoria Education Foundation, Ms. Tammy Caraway, and former grant recipient, Patricia Santangelo from Cactus High School. Visit the Peoria Education Foundation website Learn more about Tax Credit Donations

What is currently trending in Peoria Unified? The holidays! This time of year, it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and lose sight of why this time with family is so important. Today I am joined by our Superintendent, and his cabinet, who are currently preparing for the holiday season to learn about how they celebrate this time of year and what they are most excited to do over winter break. From the entire Peoria Unified family to yours we are wishing you the happiest holiday season.

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? Humble Leadership. Today I am joined by this year's Raymond S. Kellis Leadership Award Recipients that truly exemplify the legacy of Dr. Kellis, Peoria Unified's former superintendent who led the district through its largest period of growth and was a tireless advocate for public education. My guests are everyday leaders who do what they can to ensure that every employee and student of Peoria Unified is set up for success. These leaders include Michael Guffy from Heritage Elementary who currently teaches in one of his former classrooms; Lisa Alexander our Lead Nurse who has guided Peoria Unified through a truly unprecedented time with grace and kindness; And Sammy Chagolla from Marshall Ranch whose story is inextricably tied to Peoria Unified's own and has dedicated his life to creating the next generation of humble leaders. You can also learn more about all of Peoria Unified's past Raymond S. Kellis Leadership winners at peoriaunified.org/KellisAward.

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? Ensuring students our students are prepared to shape tomorrow. One of Peoria Unified's strategic perspectives focuses on student success and creating rigorous curriculum that meets the needs of 21st-Century students. Today I am joined by our Director of our award-winning Career and Technical Education Department, Barb Coakley, and Peoria Unified Alum Sylvia Lopez who is currently in her first semester at Arizona State University studying to be an industrial engineer.

What's currently Trending in Peoria Unified? Retaining the Best Teachers Possible! This is the time of year our Human Resources Department begins to recruit teachers for the next school year. Today, I am joined by Nina Buckley, our Lead Instructional Coach, who is leading the efforts to modernize our workforce. Nina supports all of our new teachers and we are so glad to have her here to discuss the ways in which Peoria Unified teachers are supported. I am also joined by Megan Cox, teacher at Coyote Hills, who for the last 3 years has had students with the highest math scores in the district. She shares her strategy for supporting her 8th graders along their educational journey.

A brief introduction to Progress Report, our new podcast from Peoria Unified. Listen to the first episode of Progress Report.

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? Our Support Staff. Like many school districts around the country, we are experiencing a shortage in support staff in a variety of roles. While these positions are often looked over, so many of them are the reason our schools are able to provide the services they do. In the latest episode of Peoria Unified's podcast, Trending Peoria, we are joined by our Chief Operations and Technology Officer, John Gay, as he shares the different support staff positions we have in Peoria Unified and the roles they play in serving students. Later in the episode, Christina Sosa from KidZone will discuss her role as facilitator in Peoria Unified's before and after school program in our Glendale schools. If you are interested in becoming a school bus driver, or if any high-quality individuals with a passion for kids, please direct them to jobs.peoriaunified.org. You can listen to the Trending Peoria podcast anywhere you listen to podcast and at peoriaunified.org/trendingpeoria​.

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? Football! More importantly, all of the aspects that come together to make each Friday night in the Fall so fun and the memories unparalleled. Whether you were a member of the marching band, participated in sports medicine, cheered the team on in pom, dance or cheer, were playing on the field or enjoyed the games from the stands, everyone has special memories of football season. In this episode, we are joined by Peoria Unified alum and current teacher, Mrs. Kate Menasco, and Peoria High School legends, David “Skinny” Hill and Coach William Babb. We discuss the impact our programs have on campus culture.

What's trending in Peoria? Rigorous curriculum and engaging learning environments! In education, the word rigor is often used to describe the way we approach teaching and learning. However, there is a lot to learn about what pushes students to reach their fullest potential. Today, I am joined by Executive Director of Elementary Education and Curriculum & Instruction, Marla Hobbs, and Ironwood High School Science Teacher, Amy Hutter.

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? Creating safe, inclusive and rigorous learning environments for all of our students. One of Dr. Reynolds vision points for Peoria Unified in the coming years is: Ensuring that every student and employee is known, valued, cared for, and challenged. Today we are joined by Dr. Carter Davidson, our Chief Student Support Officer, and Mrs. Lori Garcia, our Director of Special Education, as we look at what inclusion looks like in Peoria Unified, as well as what their goals are for the coming school year. Links: Peoria Unified Special Education Parent Engagement Forum

What's currently trending in Peoria Unified? School Finance and the ESSER Grants! Recently the federal government, approved the opportunity for elementary and secondary public schools to receive a one-time infusion of funding to aid in the recovery from COVID-19. Today, I am joined by our Chief Financial Officer, Michelle Myers, as we unpack what ESSER provides and understand more about school finance. If you need a refresh on school finance and funding, you can head to our YouTube channel and watch School Finance 101 which shares everything you need to know about Overrides and Bonds at a local level. Show Links: Trending Peoria website School Finance 101 video Parent Engagement Forum Peoria Unified Budget website

What's trending in Peoria Unified? Back to School! With the start of a new school year ahead of us, it is so exciting to think of the endless possibilities ahead. In this episode, we are joined by two Peoria Unified alumni who AnnMarie Demeter (Raymond S. Kellis) and Mark Harman (Alta Loma) now work in Peoria Unified and are excited for what the new school year will bring. While things are constantly changing, it is refreshing to know that Peoria Unified alumni always have the ability to come back and continue investing in the district that helped to grow them into the educational leaders they are today. Follow the Fork Join us on October 2, 2021 (6-9 pm) at Park West for a progressive dining experience benefitting The Peoria Education Foundation. All ticketed guests can enjoy complimentary bites at 12+ restaurants, live music, interactive art, photo ops, a midnight snack goody bag & more. Visit the Peoria Education Foundation site for more information.

What's trending in Peoria Unified? Rest. This week, we are taking a brief pause from our regular programming to prepare for the upcoming school year. We will be back with a brand-new episode on the first day of school, Aug. 4! In the meantime, you can listen to all of our past episodes, including our first episode about Kindergarten and Early Childhood Education: tinyurl.com/5epkda3m Kindergarten is an exciting experience and serves as the foundation for a child's future. We offer free, full-day kindergarten in a rigorous, engaging, safe and nurturing environment with highly qualified teachers to help your child be successful throughout their educational journey. You can learn more and enroll at peoriaunified.org/kindergarten. As always, you can connect with us at peoriaunified.org/TrendingPeoria and peoriaunified.org/connect.

What's trending in Peoria? Summer! Well more importantly a summer of success. Each summer, Peoria Unified offers a myriad of opportunities for our students ranging from summer camps to summer school. This year, our Curriculum & Instruction and KidZone teams re-imagined what successful summer programming looks like. On this episode we are joined by our Executive Director of Federal Program, Laurie Little, and our Director of KidZone, Ashley Worrell, as they discuss what successful, innovative, and engaging summer programing looks like.

What's currently trending in Peoria? Refreshing and reimagining our strategic plan and reclaiming our seat as a national leader in pK-12 education. Throughout this process we have brought in leaders, educators and support staff from across Peoria Schools to ensure we continue to meet the needs of every student, every day. We will be joined in the episode by Peoria Unified's Superintendent, Dr. Jason Reynolds as well as Mike Maas, Director of Research and Planning, and John Gay, Chief Strategic Planning and Technology Officer. For past episodes and more information about our podcast, visit the Trending Peoria page.