Willow Canyon News
)
Make sure you mail your ballot by Tuesday, October 27!
If approved, it Proposition 421 fund:
• New air conditioning systems to ensure a safe environment, and uninterrupted learning for students
• New fire panels to improve safety at all schools
• Construction of a new elementary school to address the rapid growth in the northwest part of our district.
• Land for a high school to ensure the district is prepared for future growth
• Renovation of aging facilities, to include construction of public restrooms for athletic facilities at our high schools, renovation of the aging auditorium at Dysart High School, the district’s original high school.
Looking for more details about the election and potential impacts? Check out these factual resource links available on our website and share with others:
)
No School-Fall Break
Fall Break is HERE!
It’s time to hit pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy a little well-deserved time off! We hope our amazing students, teachers, and school staff take this opportunity to relax, recharge, and have some fun, with family and friends.
No classes: Monday, October 12 – Friday, October 16
School offices: Closed during Fall Break
We’re back: Monday, October 19
We can’t wait to see everyone refreshed and ready for another great week when school resumes! Have a fun, safe, and fantastic Fall Break!
Enjoy every minute—you’ve earned it!
)
Prop 421 would fund public restrooms for athletic facilities and new fire panels
If approved, it Proposition 421 fund:
- New air conditioning systems to ensure a safe environment, and uninterrupted learning for students
- New fire panels to improve safety at all schools
- Construction of a new elementary school to address the rapid growth in the northwest part of our district.
- Land for a high school to ensure the district is prepared for future growth
- Renovation of aging facilities, to include construction of public restrooms for athletic facilities at our high schools, renovation of the aging auditorium at Dysart High School, the district’s original high school.
Based on the estimated average assessed home value within our district of $215,435, the average homeowner would pay $3 per month, for a total of $36 estimated per year.*
Looking for more details about the election and potential impacts?
Check out these factual resource links available on our website and share with others:
*Based on an estimated $0.17 tax rate on an average assessed home value of $215,435. Assessed value is determined by the Maricopa County Assessor's Office to calculate property taxes, and is not the same as the market value that a home would sell for. Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations.
)
Theatre Presents: Matilda
Willow Canyon Theatre Presents : Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
October 7–10 | 7:00 PM
WCH Performing Arts Center
17901 W. Lundberg St
Surprise, AZ
Student Rush Night! Thursday, October 8th
Students with a valid school ID can see the show for JUST $5!
Bring your friends, grab your school ID, and join us for a night of Matilda!
)
Register to vote by October 5!
Get registered to vote by October 5 at Elections.Maricopa.gov and learn more at Dysart.org/Prop421.
If approved, Proposition 421 would fund:
- New air conditioning systems to ensure a safe environment, and uninterrupted learning for students
- New fire panels to improve safety at all schools
- Construction of a new elementary school to address the rapid growth in the northwest part of our district.
- Land for a high school to ensure the district is prepared for future growth
- Renovation of aging facilities, to include construction of public restrooms for athletic facilities at our high schools, renovation of the aging auditorium at Dysart High School, the district’s original high school.
)
Attention Students Taking AP & IB Exams!
Are you eligible for Free & Reduced Lunch? You may qualify for a significant fee reduction for your AP and IB exams through available scholarship opportunities.
To ensure your fee reduction is applied correctly, please contact your designated program representative by September 25,2026
For AP Exams: Please Communicate with Mr. Hicks I aaron.hicks@dysart.org
For IB Exams: Please communicate with Ms. Shelby I peyton.shelby@dysart.org
Don't miss this opportunity to reduce your exam costs!!!
)
Information about Prop 421
The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board has placed Proposition 421 on the November 3, 2026 ballot to maintain safe, functional learning environments, and support continued growth. The estimated tax impact to the community is $3 per month, or $36 per year.*
If approved, here are a few of the ways our schools and community needs will be supported:
- Replacement of aging air conditioning systems and fire panels
- Renovation of aging facilities
- Construction of a new elementary school
- Land for a high school
Get registered to vote in this mail-in only election by October 5 at Elections.Maricopa.gov and learn more at Dysart.org/Prop421.
*Based on an estimated $0.17 tax rate on an average assessed home value of $215,435. Assessed value is determined by the Maricopa County Assessor's Office to calculate property taxes, and is not the same as the market value that a home would sell for. Tax rates are an estimate and are influenced by a variety of factors including Maricopa County assessed valuation fluctuations.
)
No School
There will be no school on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day.
We hope you and your family enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday weekend! We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Tuesday, September 8th.
Have a wonderful Labor Day!
)
Willow Canyon HS Blood Drive
Give Blood. Give Hope. Save Lives.
Join us for our upcoming Blood Drive and help make a lifesaving difference in our community!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Willow Canyon High School
Small Gym
17901 W. Lundberg St. Surprise, AZ
Every donation can make a difference. We encourage our staff, families, and community members to roll up their sleeves and help save lives! Schedule Your Donation
For more information or to schedule an appointment: Call: 877-25-VITAL Visit: vitalant.org
Summer Drive to Save Lives — Be a Hero. Donate Blood.
)
Senior Sunrise
The Class of 2027 is kicking off senior year with our annual Senior Sunrise!
Join your classmates as we watch the sun come up, make memories, and celebrate the start of our final year of high school.
When: Thursday, August 28th
Time: 5:30 AM
Where: Football Field
What to wear:
Senior Merch
Senior Jeans
School Colors (Blue, White, & Grey)
Don’t forget to bring:
A blanket/lawn chair
Your friends
Your camera—because you’ll want to capture the memories! Come hang out, watch the sunrise, and start our senior year together!
Food & Drinks Provided (please clean up after yourselves!)
See you there, Class of 2027!
)
Annual Student Update
📌 Don't Forget! Complete Your Annual Student Update
It's time to complete your 2026–27 Annual Student Update! All parents and guardians are asked to log into the Parent Portal and submit their updates between July 13 and August 30, 2026 to help us prepare for a successful school year.
Be sure to review and update:
Student and household information
Emergency contacts
Medical information
Electronic Use/Student Handbook Agreement Please
Keep in Mind:
Students will not be able to access district platforms such as email, Schoology, or Infinite Campus until the Electronic Use/Student Handbook Agreement has been completed.
School staff cannot administer medication without current medical information on file.
Thank you for taking a few moments to complete this important process. Together, we can ensure every Wildcat is safe, supported, and ready for an amazing 2026–27 school year!
)
WCHS Now Offers JROTC Program
We are excited to announce that Willow Canyon High School is now offering the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year!
Students interested in enrolling in this exciting program should reach out to their school counselor for more information and enrollment details.
We encourage interested students to learn more about this opportunity and discover the leadership, discipline, teamwork, and personal growth that JROTC has to offer!
)
Class of 2027-Senior Pictures
GRADS SENIOR PICTURES
Attention Parents/Guardians:
If your student does not have their senior picture taken by the November 3 deadline, they will not be included in the 2026–2027 yearbook or the graduation slideshow shown during the commencement ceremony.
)
Welcome Back!!
Welcome Back, Wildcats! 🐾
We are excited to welcome our students and families back for the 2026–2027 school year!
Below you will find important dates, office hours, and upcoming events to help you prepare for a successful start to the year.
The school office will reopen to the public on Wednesday, July 8.
July Office Hours :
July 8–9 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (Closed Friday)
July 13–16 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (Closed Friday)
July 20–23 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (Closed Friday)
Regular office hours begin Monday, July 27: Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
🚗 Parking passes for the 2026–2027 school year will be available for purchase during the dates below.
⭐ Seniors Only: July 20 & 21 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
⭐ Juniors & Seniors July 22 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
⭐ Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors July 23 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Freshman Orientation Day Freshman Student Only Day - Wednesday, August 5, 2026 🕖 7:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Freshmen will have the opportunity to:
✅ Pick up their Chromebook
✅ Receive their class schedule
✅ Tour the campus
✅ Learn about Willow Canyon clubs and athletics
✅ Meet classmates and begin building connections
School bus service will be available for eligible students who need transportation to and from school.
First Day of School - Thursday, August 6, 2026 🕖 7:15 a.m.–2:15 p.m.
We are excited to welcome all Wildcats back to campus! Please continue to monitor ParentSquare and our social media channels for important first-day information and updates.
High School Open House - Tuesday, August 11, 2026 🕠 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Students and families are invited to meet teachers, visit classrooms, and tour the campus. We look forward to welcoming our Wildcats back and starting another great year as we continue building a Winning Culture!
We are excited to welcome all Wildcats back to campus! Please continue to monitor ParentSquare and our social media channels for important first-day information and updates. 🐾
)
Chromebook Distribution
💻 Chromebook Pick-Up – Freshman Class of 2030 & Newly Enrolled Wildcats 🐾
We are excited to welcome our newest Wildcats! Freshman and New Enrolled Students will receive their Chromebooks during the scheduled distribution times below.
Location: Auditorium Lobby
Thursday, July 30 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday, July 31 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Important Information:
✅ A parent/guardian must be present to sign the Chromebook Device User & Insurance Agreement before a student can receive a device.
Families may:
Print and complete the form ahead of time, or
Complete the agreement on-site during pickup
A $25 optional insurance fee will be available during the second week of school. Families will receive an email with payment information and will have 30 days to complete payment. Insurance is highly recommended to help protect the device.
Unable to attend?
A make-up Chromebook distribution will be available during school hours during the first or second week of school. Additional details will be shared on campus.
Returning Student Chromebook Issues?
Stay tuned for information regarding support and troubleshooting options.
Email wendy.james@dysart.org or call 623-523-8020
Welcome to Willow Canyon, Wildcats! We look forward to helping you get ready for a successful school year. 🐾
If you would like to print ahead of time click the link below: (Only the first two pages are needing be to turned in)
)
26-27 Parking Permits
🚗 Parking Permits PRE-SALE DATES! 🐾
Willow Canyon is ready to get you set for a great year of driving and parking on campus!
📍Where: Bookstore (across from the cafeteria)
📧 Questions? Contact Michelle.Downey@dysart.org or call 623-523-8020
🔑 Who’s Eligible?
All 11th & 12th grade students with:
✅ Completed application To help expedite the parking permit process, please bring copies of the following for each vehicle listed on your parking permit application:
✅ Current driver’s license
✅ Vehicle registration
✅ Proof of insurance
✅ $60 parking fee PRE-SALE DATES:
⭐ Seniors ONLY: 🔹 July 20 & 21— 8:00 AM–12 PM & 1:00–3 PM
⭐ Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors: 🔹 July 22–23 - 8:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00-3:00PM
🅿️ Spots are first come, first served — don’t wait to secure your permit!
)
Important Annual Student Update Needs Your Attention
📌 Don't Forget! Complete Your Annual Student Update
It's time to complete your 2026–27 Annual Student Update! All parents and guardians are asked to log into the Parent Portal and submit their updates between July 13 and August 30, 2026 to help us prepare for a successful school year.
Be sure to review and update:
✅ Student and household information
✅ Emergency contacts
✅ Medical information
✅ Electronic Use/Student Handbook Agreement
Please Keep in Mind:
⭐ Students will not be able to access district platforms such as email, Schoology, or Infinite Campus until the Electronic Use/Student Handbook Agreement has been completed.
⭐ School staff cannot administer medication without current medical information on file.
Thank you for taking a few moments to complete this important process. Together, we can ensure every Wildcat is safe, supported, and ready for an amazing 2026–27 school year! 🐾
)
New Student Enrollment Open for 26-27 School Year
Dysart Unified School District is accepting new PreK-12 student enrollment applications for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents and guardians can complete the necessary registration information online at Dysart.org/enroll at any time. Within the enrollment application, parents are able to select their home school, or request their child attend another school outside of their boundary school, including Freedom Traditional Academy, through Open Enrollment. Preschool enrollment options are also available on the main enrollment link above, as well as at GrowingMindsPreschool.org. Learn more at Dysart.org/Preschool.
For in-person enrollment assistance between June 8th and July 1st, families may visit the District Office Monday through Thursday at 15802 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona from 8am-4:30pm. All K-12 school offices will reopen for in person enrollment on Wednesday, July 8.
Please note that in order to finalize registration the following documents will be required: government issued photo identification; birth certificate; proof of residency; and immunization records. To keep up with their child’s academic progress, parents are encouraged to sign up for the Parent Portal at Dysart.org/parentportal or via the Campus Parent app, available as early as 24 hours after registration is finalized. To find out if your child is eligible for transportation, visit Dysart.org/Transportation.
Dysart Schools looks forward to serving the community by providing an outstanding preschool through high school experience for students. For additional assistance with student registration, families may contact their local school beginning July 8, call 623-876-7151, or email SISTeam@dysart.org.
)
Summer Office Hours
Summer Office Hours:
May 26 – June 4
7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Please note: The office will be closed to the public from June 5 through July 7.
Regular office hours will resume on Wednesday, July 8.
Interested in enrolling your student for the 2026–2027 school year?
Please visit the following link for additional information:
)
Summer Break Begins!
Summer Break begins Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing, and fun-filled summer while making lasting memories with family and friends.
School will resume on Thursday, August 6, 2026. We look forward to seeing everyone back for another great school year!
Have a wonderful summer!