UPC brings parents from across the district together to enhance the PVSchools experience! 

*UPC is independent from PVUSD and information posted in this newsletter does not represent the views of the Paradise Valley Unified School District.*

UPC's March meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. Superintendent Dr. Courson and Cabinet will be at the meeting to share updates and answer questions. Then join us for our program: "Potential Maintenance and Operation (M&O) and District Additional Assistance (DAA) Overrides" will be presented by Jill Barragan, Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations. Public school funding is complicated and Ms. Barragan does an excellent job of breaking it down and explaining the elements of school funding, and also answering questions from parents. All are invited to attend!

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

9:00 a.m. UPC General Meeting

10:15 a.m. "Potential M&O and DAA Overrides"



This meeting will be held both in person and online.

To attend in person, please join us in DAC East/West at the District Office: 15002 N 32nd St Or, please register in advance HERE to receive the Zoom link.

View the UPC Facebook Event HERE and click "Going"

View the UPC Budget Report

View the February 18, 2026 Meeting Minutes

We are looking for current UPC Representatives that would like to serve on the Executive Board for the 2026-2027 school year! We will hold our annual elections at the April UPC General Meeting - specific voting information is coming soon for eligible UPC voting reps! The Nominating Committee is currently taking nominations. If you are interested in nominating an eligible UPC Rep (see eligibility details below) for one of the officer positions below, or if you would like to learn more about other volunteer opportunities with UPC, please email info@pvupc.org.

From the UPC Bylaws:

IV. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

A. Executive Board is comprised of the elected officers which includes a President, two (2) Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer.

1. The PRESIDENT will schedule at least eight (8) General Meetings during the school year, preside at all meetings, commission Standing and Select Committees, appoint Chairpersons to lead such committees, and will represent UPC when necessary before the Governing Board and media. In the event of the temporary absence of the President, he/she shall designate an Executive Board member to act on his/her behalf.
2. The VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP will act as liaison between UPC and the schools, maintain an up-to-date list of all UPC members and those in good standing, act as an aide to the President, circulate and record attendance at each General Meeting, coordinate the review of the UPC By-Laws at least every two years and perform other such duties as requested by the President.
3. The VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMMING will plan and coordinate programs, events and schedule meetings. He/she will work with the President and the Executive Committee to establish goals and will perform other such duties as requested by the President.
4. The SECRETARY will record and maintain the minutes of all General and Executive Committee Meetings, and perform other duties as requested by the President.
5. The TREASURER will deposit all funds in UPC’s bank account, maintain a current and accurate account of receipts and expenditures, present a financial report at each meeting and prepare a written annual budget for voting membership approval at the first General Meeting.

XI. NOMINATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

A. Only UPC Representatives shall be nominated for office.

B. Only those Representatives who have signified their consent to serve if elected shall be nominated for or elected to any office.

C. Any candidate for President or Vice President must be an eligible Representative for the current full operating year; or a member of the Executive Committee for six (6) months prior to his/her election.

D. If no eligible candidate agrees to serve in an officer position, two eligible candidates may be considered to share an officer position (except President) provided both candidates consent to the shared position. If a position is shared, there is only one (1) vote for that position during Executive Board voting.

E. Nominations shall be accepted from the floor provided the candidate is present or has agreed in writing that he/she is willing to serve in that capacity, and meets the qualifications for that office. 

There are so many ways to get involved with UPC- we have something for everyone and there are definitely roles that involve a flexible time commitment. Questions? Please email info@pvupc.org.

Click HERE to receive the Zoom link.

Vea la información en español aquí.

Instructional Assistant Appreciation Day is on Wednesday, April 1, 2026! United Parent Council's Outreach and Special Education Committees have joined forces to organize a special appreciation gift for all of PV’s incredible Instructional Assistants! 

UPC Reps,

Please SIGN UP HERE by Monday, March 30th to deliver appreciation bags to your school by April 1st. Appreciation bags will be available for pick-up at the district office on Monday 3/30 all day and Tuesday 3/31 until noon. Please plan to deliver your school(s)' bags to the front office of schools no later than the morning of April 1st so they can be distributed to the Instructional Assistants on April 1st.

Thank you for helping UPC to show appreciation to our wonderful PVSchools' Instructional Assistants!

Please email any questions to specialed@pvupc.org. 



UPC's Special Education Committee Needs YOU!

Join us to:

-Collaborate with Special Education Leadership to support students and plan educational programs for families

-Support and meet other families with students who receive special education services and supports

-Share your ideas and experiences regarding Special Education

Contact Jessica Crain at specialed@pvupc.org for more information!

Upcoming Events:

Gifted Parent Meetup

Thursday, March 26th at 9:00am at the MIM.

Gifted Speaker Series: Elementary Gifted Services Overview

Engage in a dynamic conversation with a panel of PV Gifted Specialists as they share insights and strategies to support gifted learners. This session will offer practical ideas and perspectives to help families better understand and nurture the unique needs of gifted children.

Sky Crossing Elementary School 

Tuesday, March 31st at 6:00pm

3300 E Sky Crossing Way, Phoenix, AZ 85050

This presentation will be both in-person and online. Please register HERE to receive the zoom link.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a letter to recognize an amazing teacher or staff member! 

We received a record-breaking 1780 letters about the outstanding educators in PV! More information will be sent to UPC Reps soon so stay tuned!

Kathy Graf, Prime Lending

Homebuying should feel exciting--not stressful. As a former educator with a decade in mortgage lending, I empower first‑time buyers, investors, and move‑up buyers with clear guidance, confident decisions, and smart mortgage options to win in any market.

https://linktr.ee/kathy.graf.mortgagepro

602-717-1756

See all of UPC 2025-2026 Sponsors HERE!

Don't forget to check out the list of local businesses that support UPC and the students in PVSchools!

Information from the

Paradise Valley Family Resource Center

The Paradise Valley Family Resource Center is a wonderful resource for families in our district and have specific programming for children ages 0-5. Learn more about all they offer HERE. They also have classes for parents including English Language and parenting strategies.

Follow them of Facebook HERE!

Message from the UPC President:

Hello PVSchools Families and Friends! Just a quick note to say thank you for staying engaged with us and for all you do to give your kids and all of the kids, families and staff in PVSchools the BEST Educational, Work, and Community Experience! Congratulations to Dr. Courson on being appointed Superintendent! We are very heartened and excited for your leadership and the knowledge, experience, consistency, open-mindedness, balance, purposefulness, and grace you will bring to this role. Congratulations also to Nenewa Rihan at Quail Run ES, recognized as the District’s March Education Support Professional of the Month; Sky Crossing ES Principal Chad Caudle, on receiving the March District Administrators Excellence and Support Award; and a big shout out for the state-wide recognition given to transportation dispatcher and driver Zachary Jennings achieving the Arizona Association for Pupil Transportation Rookie of the Year award! UPC is excited to celebrate many more educators and staff through our upcoming Instructional Assistant Day program, UPC Teacher and Staff Appreciation recognition letters and ceremony, and Geri L. Morgan Volunteer of the Year Award presentations. Thank you to all of the students, families, principals, and UPC representatives who submitted nominations, have given volunteer time, or have otherwise supported or promoted these programs. Things are really blooming in Paradise with much to look forward to exploring and celebrating this Spring!

All the best,

Julie

An Overview of the GIfted Program options available in PVSchools.

You can view the recording HERE.

Career and Technical Education

(CTE) Programs

PVSchools offers a wide variety of Career and Technical Education different programs at all five high schools. You can view a list of CTE Programs available at each school HERE. This presentation includes videos of many of the CTE programs and would be great to watch with your student!

Watch the recording HERE.

Fine Arts in PVSchools

Learn about the many programs and opportunities for students to learn more about the fine arts. Also, learn the steps a student needs to take in order to earn the Seal of Fine Arts upon graduating from any of high school.

Watch the recording HERE.

PVSchools Resources for Families:

HERE is UPC's List of Health and Wellness Resources 

View the District's list of Resources for Families: English and Español

PVSchools is hiring! Check out career opportunities HERE! 

Your participation is vital to the success of UPC and to supporting our students and PVSchools. 

If you have any questions or suggestions, please email President@pvupc.org. 

With gratitude for all you do,

Julie Blumenreich, President 2025-2026 & the UPC Exec Team 

PV United Parent Council