
Inspiring Excellence
Casa Grande Union High School District | March 2025
Dear CGUHSD Learning Community,
I hope each of you had a rejuvenating and enjoyable Spring Break, brimming with unforgettable experiences that will remain etched in your memory for years to come. As we embark on the Fourth Quarter of our academic year, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment — a time filled with promise and potential. This is our chance to consolidate our knowledge, engage with our learning on a deeper level, and showcase the advanced cognitive skills we have developed throughout the year. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to shine and fully realize our capabilities!
Please review our state testing and distance learning schedules for April 1, 8, and 9. They are posted in this newsletter and on our website.
We understand that state testing can create a significant amount of stress for both our students and staff. However, the insights we gain from these assessments are invaluable, as they play a crucial role in shaping students' academic journeys and informing our instructional strategies. The preparation leading up to and the experience of taking these assessments not only equips students with essential knowledge but also helps them develop critical skills for handling high-stakes testing and interview situations. This process is an important step in preparing them for future challenges, fostering resilience and confidence along the way.
Throughout my journey as a middle and high school student, I found myself grappling with the challenges of testing, often hindered by a nagging lack of confidence in my own abilities. It felt like a shadow looming over my potential, and despite my efforts, I struggled to overcome it. However, as I navigated through various experiences, a remarkable transformation began to take shape. With each passing year, my confidence gradually blossomed like a flower reaching toward the sun.
The turning point came during my graduate-level studies, where I truly found my stride. Immersed in a stimulating academic environment, I embraced the rigorous coursework with newfound determination, ultimately earning a master's degree with an impressive 4.0-grade point average. This achievement filled me with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment, a testament to the hard work and perseverance that had characterized my journey.
In academics, as in many facets of life, I’ve come to understand that it is not merely the beginning that counts, but how one finishes the race. Each lesson learned, every challenge faced along the way, culminated in the successful application of my knowledge. The end result is a reflection of the dedication and resilience I developed throughout my educational odyssey.
As we step into this assessment season, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity to showcase your talents and identify areas for growth. It's a moment to shine and demonstrate your capabilities. Research indicates that students who prioritize adequate rest, nourish their bodies with wholesome meals, effectively manage stress, pace themselves thoughtfully, and maintain a balanced perspective on testing often reach their highest levels of success. By taking care of your physical and mental well-being, you’re setting the stage for optimal performance and achievement.
Wishing you all the best as you embark on our state tests. May your hard work shine through, and may each question become an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and efforts. You’ve got this!
Stay strong.
Jeff Lavender
Superintendent
CGUHS Guitar Teacher
Casa Grande Union High School
Vista Grande High School
Casa Grande Union High School
Vista Grande High School
Mar 05 = Early Release
Mar 10-21 Spring Break
Mar 25 = Special Governing Board Meeting @ 11:30 AM
Mar 26 = Early Release
Apr 01 = State Testing & Distance Learning
Apr 02 = Early Release
Apr 08 = State Testing & Distance Learning
Apr 09 = State Testing & Distance Learning
Apr 09 = Early Release
Apr 14 = Governing Board Meeting @ 6:30 PM
Apr 16 = Early Release
Apr 18 = In-Lieu Day
Apr 23 = Early Release
Apr 30 = Early Release
Governing Board
Regular Monthly Meetings
2nd Monday of Month (*typically)
*unless there is a conflict & approved by Board
Casa Grande Union High School District
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
520-316-3360 Phone
520-316-3352 Fax
contact@cguhsd.org Email
cguhsd.org Website
@cguhsdistrict
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