FHUSD Superintendent Patrick Sweeney Delivers “Super” Update for the 2016-17 School Year

As the Staff and Faculty at Fountain Hills Unified School District nurture and coach our students, their hard work and inspirational guidance continues to reap outstanding rewards. The 2015-16 school year was replete with well-deserved recognition:

• Fountain Hills High School was ranked 14^th out of 527 Arizona schools by US News and World Report (Top 4 %)
• The Class of 2016 (142 students) earned $3.2 Million in Scholarships
• 88% of the Class of 2016 are enrolled in College for 2016-17
• Girls Soccer and Girls Track won the 3-A State Championship
• Band and Choir at Disney’s Music in the Parks Competition: First Place-Concert Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Choir, Outstanding Soloist; Fourth Place-Mixed Choir; Judge’s Award-Outstanding Concert Band out of ALL DIVISIONS COMBINED (Note:  Competed against schools with enrollments between 1500 and 4000).

Because Arizona voters approved Proposition 123, all 18 teaching vacancies have been filled (with first choice candidates!), and teacher salaries have been increased. In addition to insuring that the district will continue to attract and retain quality instructors, the local approval of the bond and capital override puts the FHUSD in a strong financial position to maintain and improve its facilities.

And though summer may be “vacation time” for many, the curriculum specialists at FHUSD have been working to revise and update academic standards in Math, English, Science and Social Studies, and to update instructional priorities and measurements.  The main goal of these improvements is to ensure continued excellence in student performance and over-all school evaluations. Fountain Hills Unified School District’s motto, “We Achieve and Celebrate Educational Excellence,” is guiding the development of broader application of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) applied knowledge exercises throughout the curriculum. In addition, two significant new AP (Advanced Placement) classes centered on technology and research are in the works for the 2017-18 school year.

All of these achievements notwithstanding, FHUSD is most proud of fostering an emotionally supportive school environment, small class size and individualized approach to learning that nurtures a high-achieving, well-rounded student population.  So take a look with pride at our beautiful campuses as you drive by, listen to the band as they practice their award-winning music, and call a neighbor or two to join you at the opening football game to be played at Northern Arizona University (NAU) on Saturday, August 27, at 5 p.m.

Go Falcons!