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14 | CANYON CORRIDOR CONNECTION 2016
Washington High School shines in urban Phoenix, AZ and truly represents
the heart of our students’ and staff members’ lives. We are a community
of “ones”—one staff member, one teacher, one student—that believe our
collective efforts can result in “the change we wish to see in the world,”
to borrow the words of Mahatma Gandhi. Indeed, our mission statement
affirms this belief: “Washington High School provides an educational
environment where caring teachers and involved families foster
academic, social, physical, and emotional development for all students
while preparing them for future college and career opportunities.” Our
community of ones centers on our vision of what each of us individually
can accomplish, which leads to the success of all.
PRIDE—Personal best, Relevant and rigorous curriculum,
Involvement,Diversity, and Education—guides the decisions that we
make on campus every day. The components of this acronym are threaded
throughout the daily lives of our students and staff, creating a tapestry that
depicts this community of ones which enhances the lives of all.
When people visit our campus, the first thing they notice is that our students
and faculty strive every day to reach their personal best. Our academic
endeavors, commitment to literacy and extra-curricular activities allow
everyone to become successful lifelong learners. Personal best among our
faculty and staff ensures that students are provided with a safe and engaging
environment. We expect all students to succeed with our support. From the
maintenance and support staff to teachers to the principal, high expectations
and accountability are evident. Students maintain exemplary attendance
at Washington, achieving a 95% attendance rate for the first semester last
year. Our students believe that their behavior and actions contribute to
a welcoming culture at Washington; our campus resembles a park, with
students and staff being diligent about keeping it clean and secure.
Personal best also means that teachers believe in their own ability to
impact achievement for every student, every day. On any given day,visitors
to Washington can see: teachers working in professional learning
communities before and after school; teachers sharing best practices
over a cup of coffee in the faculty lounge; or veteran teachers mentoring
newer staff members on the fly near the copy machine. We believe that all
students can learn and teachers make the difference!
Continuing on a campus tour, as visitors walk through our classrooms
they observe that Washington emphasizes a relevant and rigorous program
with academic opportunities that challenge students and prepare them for
success beyond high school. With the support of our outstanding staff,we
see Washington students excel. In fact, Washington teachers have led
the way in designing and implementing curriculum aligned to national
Common Core Standards and Arizona’s College and Career Standards. Our
principal is a former district office curriculum coordinator who recruited
Washington teachers several years ago to begin exploring how the
Common Core Standards would change teaching and learning throughout
the district. Washington teachers piloted new curriculum, instruction and
assessments long before these changes were mandated.
Washington exemplifies success in preparing students for college and a
career. Indeed, as part of the Glendale Union High School District,we
share the honor of being the College Board’s National AP District of
the Year (2013). We are proud of this honor but especially pleased that
Washington was
singled out by the
College Board for a
Spotlight on Success
award. We received
this additional
honor because of
our high enrollment
of minority students
in AP courses
as well as their
exemplary success
on AP exams.
Our variety of AP
classes(Washington
offers 12Advanced
Placement courses, from art to physics) provides students with rigorous
preparation for the challenges of college study. Washington students are
well-rounded. Our eclectic elective courses offer study in subjects that appeal
to all manner of student interests. Students may choose from 13 foreign
language classes, 25 visual and performing arts classes and 17 career and
technical education classes.
On a daily basis, involvement is the key at Washington High School.
We have found that active families and community members help us
create a strong school culture. As a student body president explained:
“Involvement enriches students’ experiences and helps to build a close-
knit community on campus.” Students, parents and community members
are equally involved at Washington High School. One of our most active
supporters,for example, hasn’t had a student at Washington since the
1980s. However,as the president of the Washington Neighborhood
Association, a group that represents our local community and businesses,
Pam is our most vocal cheerleader. Another of our most active volunteers
just can’t stay away from Washington—Jerry taught math at Washington
and coached a variety of sports for 44 years. In the 16 years since he
has retired, Jerry continues to volunteer with our athletic programs and
frequently substitute teaches on our campus. Students are delighted by his
insights and experiences.
Washington students are exceptionally active—according to the
2015student participation survey, 82% of our students are involved in
a club or activity during the school year. With 67 clubs or activities to
engage students, there’s a place for everyone! Notably, the Washington
Interact Club involves students ranging from those with severe learning
disabilities to new English language learners to the top one percent
of the student body. The Washington club has been lauded by Rotary
International as being the largest and most active Interact Club in the
world. Last year, almost one-fifth(310 students) of our student body
volunteered in the community at least twice a week as part of Interact,
completing 120 separate events.
Diversity is CELEBRATED at Washington High School! The fourth
component of our vision allows us to celebrate and embrace the
differences which enrich our community. Given that our campus is
both culturally and socio-economically diverse, we have looked for
Glendale Union High School District
Washington High School
Educat ion
7650 N. 43rd Ave
Glendale, AZ 85301
Phone: 623-435-6000
Tami J. Strege
Principal
Washington High School
2217 W. Glendale Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
623-915-8400
Brian Capistran
Superintendent