Parents and Students:
I want to welcome everyone back for the start of the 2009-10 school year. I am excited to begin my third year as Principal of Willow Canyon and my 26th year in public education in the state of Arizona.
We begin the 2009-10 school year building on the successes and accomplishments achieved in the previous year. Although Willow Canyon is entering its 7th year of existence, there is much to be proud of and celebrate as our efforts to provide the best educational opportunities for our students begin to bear results.
Our graduating class of 2009 earned over 3.6 million dollars in college and university scholarships. We had the highest graduation rate of 97%. We continue to prepare our students to enter the best colleges and universities in the nation. Last year we had seniors accepted to such schools as Northwestern, Rice, UCLA, Penn and Michigan, to name a few. That does not include the large number of students who are continuing their post-secondary education by attending our state’s own university and college system.
We earned a Highly Performing label from the Arizona Dept. of Education for the second consecutive year. What is truly remarkable is the progress made within the category Highly Performing. Willow Canyon has significantly closed the student achievement gap and is now poised to focus our collective efforts on the elusive Excelling label for the 2009-10 school year. This high but attainable goal can not be realized unless we, the Willow Canyon committee consisting of parents, students, teachers, support staff and administration, work together in the uniformed focus. I know I can count on our Willow Canyon parents to help by communicating with teachers, monitoring all homework assignments, encouraging their child to read and participate in as many school events and functions as possible. Volunteering is an excellent way to get involved and make a positive impact in your child’s school and the community it serves.
I also want to take the opportunity to welcome the class of 2013, our freshmen and their parents to Willow Canyon! We particularly want to make them feel a part of the Willow Canyon family. We know this is a stress filled time for our freshmen as they transition to a high school setting. Willow Canyon wants to make this 8th to 9th grade transition a positive, productive and successful experience. Our school counselors, Academic Enrichment teachers, faculty and administration are here to provide assistance and support for students and parents alike. As a parent of a freshman, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns related to your child’s education or emotional well being-we are here to help!
Again, I want to welcome you to the 2009-10 school year, which I know will be a positive and rewarding year. We are glad you are a part of our Willow Canyon family.