
📣 We’re making an exciting change to district communication!
To better keep families informed with timely updates and reminders, Casa Grande Union High School District will be transitioning from a monthly newsletter to a WEEKLY newsletter format.
The new format will provide:
✅ More up-to-date information
✅ Shorter, easier-to-read updates
✅ Weekly reminders and important dates
✅ More frequent student and staff highlights
Check out this week's newsletter: https://cguhsd.edurooms.com/.../inspiring-excellence...
We hope this change makes it even easier for families to stay connected with everything happening across our schools.
To better keep families informed with timely updates and reminders, Casa Grande Union High School District will be transitioning from a monthly newsletter to a WEEKLY newsletter format.
The new format will provide:
✅ More up-to-date information
✅ Shorter, easier-to-read updates
✅ Weekly reminders and important dates
✅ More frequent student and staff highlights
Check out this week's newsletter: https://cguhsd.edurooms.com/.../inspiring-excellence...
We hope this change makes it even easier for families to stay connected with everything happening across our schools.
☀️ VGHS Summer Office Hours ☀️
Vista Grande High School offices will be open Monday–Thursday from 7:30 AM–3:00 PM throughout the summer. Offices will be closed on Fridays.
Have a safe, fun, and relaxing summer, Spartans!
Vista Grande High School offices will be open Monday–Thursday from 7:30 AM–3:00 PM throughout the summer. Offices will be closed on Fridays.
Have a safe, fun, and relaxing summer, Spartans!

☀️ CGUHS Summer Office Hours ☀️
Casa Grande Union High School offices will be open Monday–Thursday from 8:00 AM–3:30 PM throughout the summer. Offices will be closed on Fridays.
Have a safe and relaxing summer, Cougars! 💙💛
Casa Grande Union High School offices will be open Monday–Thursday from 8:00 AM–3:30 PM throughout the summer. Offices will be closed on Fridays.
Have a safe and relaxing summer, Cougars! 💙💛

Calling the Class of 2030! 🐾💙
Freshman First Day is happening July 24, 2026, from 8:00 AM–12:45 PM at Casa Grande Union High School!
Incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to:
✔️ Tour the campus
✔️ Meet new friends and teachers
✔️ Learn about clubs, sports, and student life
✔️ Find their classes
✔️ Enjoy fun activities, lunch, and transportation
We can’t wait to welcome our newest Cougars to campus — you’ve got a friend in us! 🐆💛
Freshman First Day is happening July 24, 2026, from 8:00 AM–12:45 PM at Casa Grande Union High School!
Incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to:
✔️ Tour the campus
✔️ Meet new friends and teachers
✔️ Learn about clubs, sports, and student life
✔️ Find their classes
✔️ Enjoy fun activities, lunch, and transportation
We can’t wait to welcome our newest Cougars to campus — you’ve got a friend in us! 🐆💛

Need an official transcript? 🎓
CGUHS transcripts can be ordered quickly and securely through Parchment and sent directly to your college.
Need CAC transcripts too? Visit the CAC website and follow the transcript request steps through National Student Clearinghouse. 📄✨
CGUHS transcripts can be ordered quickly and securely through Parchment and sent directly to your college.
Need CAC transcripts too? Visit the CAC website and follow the transcript request steps through National Student Clearinghouse. 📄✨

🎓 Can’t make it to graduation in person? We’ve got you covered!
Watch the Vista Grande High School graduation ceremony live using the link below. The livestream will begin before the ceremony starts and will be streamed through the official VGHS YouTube account.
📺 https://youtube.com/live/44aQX23Z3uQ?feature=share
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Watch the Vista Grande High School graduation ceremony live using the link below. The livestream will begin before the ceremony starts and will be streamed through the official VGHS YouTube account.
📺 https://youtube.com/live/44aQX23Z3uQ?feature=share
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
🏈 INCOMING Freshman Football Workouts begin Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 AM at Vista Grande High School!
Freshmen will work out Monday–Thursday from 9–11 AM. There will be no workout next Monday due to Memorial Day.
To participate, students must:
✔️ Be enrolled at VGHS
✔️ Bring a signed release form
✔️ Bring cleats, tennis shoes, and a 1-gallon water jug
✔️ A padlock is also recommended
📍Report to the practice field between the gym and softball field.
Coach Dawson is excited to meet everyone!
📞 903-818-1497
Freshmen will work out Monday–Thursday from 9–11 AM. There will be no workout next Monday due to Memorial Day.
To participate, students must:
✔️ Be enrolled at VGHS
✔️ Bring a signed release form
✔️ Bring cleats, tennis shoes, and a 1-gallon water jug
✔️ A padlock is also recommended
📍Report to the practice field between the gym and softball field.
Coach Dawson is excited to meet everyone!
📞 903-818-1497
Calling all incoming Spartans! ⚔️🎓
Freshman First Days are almost here! This is your chance to tour the campus, meet new students, learn what it means to be a Spartan, and get ready for an amazing freshman year at Vista Grande High School.
📅 Thursday, July 23 — Last names A–L
📅 Friday, July 24 — Last names M–Z
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:45 PM
🍽️ Transportation and lunch provided
We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2030 to VGHS! 🖤💛
Freshman First Days are almost here! This is your chance to tour the campus, meet new students, learn what it means to be a Spartan, and get ready for an amazing freshman year at Vista Grande High School.
📅 Thursday, July 23 — Last names A–L
📅 Friday, July 24 — Last names M–Z
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:45 PM
🍽️ Transportation and lunch provided
We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2030 to VGHS! 🖤💛

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2026
Governing Board Approves David Owen as Incoming Headmaster of PACE High School
Casa Grande, AZ — The Casa Grande Union High School District Governing Board voted to approve the hiring of David Owen as the incoming headmaster of PACE High School (Pathways Accelerating Career Experiences) for the 2026–2027 school year.
Owen brings more than two decades of experience in education, having served as a teacher, assistant administrator, and principal across multiple Arizona school districts. Most recently, he served as principal of Cottonwood Elementary School in Casa Grande. Throughout his career, Owen has demonstrated a strong commitment to student achievement, innovative instruction, and building meaningful partnerships with families and the community. He is also fluent in Spanish, further strengthening his ability to connect with and support the diverse PACE community.
“Having visited PACE on several occasions, I’ve witnessed first-hand the school’s purpose of ensuring high levels of student achievement through an innovative, student-centered learning environment where instruction and learning are personalized to support students in reaching their full academic and personal potential,” said Owen. “I also look forward to fostering partnerships with families, community, and our surrounding workforce through consistent communication and collaboration.”
PACE High School is entering an exciting new chapter, with a renewed focus on academic achievement and student success. The program will emphasize a smaller, more personalized learning environment designed to meet the individual needs of students. With a focus on specialized support instruction, PACE will provide targeted academic interventions and enrichment opportunities to help every student succeed.
In addition, the school will prioritize the development of durable skills—such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability—ensuring students are well-prepared for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
Mr. Owen’s leadership experience, student-centered approach, and commitment to excellence make him an excellent choice to lead PACE High School,” said Jeff Lavender, Superintendent of CGUHSD. “We are confident that under his leadership, PACE will develop into a premier program that supports students in achieving their academic and career goals.”
Owen’s background includes service in the U.S. Peace Corps, where he began his teaching career internationally, as well as leadership roles in the Balsz, Casa Grande Elementary, and Tempe Elementary School Districts. His diverse experiences and passion for education position him to lead PACE into this new and improved phase.
PACE High School serves students through an innovative model focused on personalized learning and career readiness, helping students accelerate their path toward graduation and future success.
For more information about PACE High School and the Casa Grande Union High School District, please visit www.cguhsd.org.
May 12, 2026
Governing Board Approves David Owen as Incoming Headmaster of PACE High School
Casa Grande, AZ — The Casa Grande Union High School District Governing Board voted to approve the hiring of David Owen as the incoming headmaster of PACE High School (Pathways Accelerating Career Experiences) for the 2026–2027 school year.
Owen brings more than two decades of experience in education, having served as a teacher, assistant administrator, and principal across multiple Arizona school districts. Most recently, he served as principal of Cottonwood Elementary School in Casa Grande. Throughout his career, Owen has demonstrated a strong commitment to student achievement, innovative instruction, and building meaningful partnerships with families and the community. He is also fluent in Spanish, further strengthening his ability to connect with and support the diverse PACE community.
“Having visited PACE on several occasions, I’ve witnessed first-hand the school’s purpose of ensuring high levels of student achievement through an innovative, student-centered learning environment where instruction and learning are personalized to support students in reaching their full academic and personal potential,” said Owen. “I also look forward to fostering partnerships with families, community, and our surrounding workforce through consistent communication and collaboration.”
PACE High School is entering an exciting new chapter, with a renewed focus on academic achievement and student success. The program will emphasize a smaller, more personalized learning environment designed to meet the individual needs of students. With a focus on specialized support instruction, PACE will provide targeted academic interventions and enrichment opportunities to help every student succeed.
In addition, the school will prioritize the development of durable skills—such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability—ensuring students are well-prepared for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
Mr. Owen’s leadership experience, student-centered approach, and commitment to excellence make him an excellent choice to lead PACE High School,” said Jeff Lavender, Superintendent of CGUHSD. “We are confident that under his leadership, PACE will develop into a premier program that supports students in achieving their academic and career goals.”
Owen’s background includes service in the U.S. Peace Corps, where he began his teaching career internationally, as well as leadership roles in the Balsz, Casa Grande Elementary, and Tempe Elementary School Districts. His diverse experiences and passion for education position him to lead PACE into this new and improved phase.
PACE High School serves students through an innovative model focused on personalized learning and career readiness, helping students accelerate their path toward graduation and future success.
For more information about PACE High School and the Casa Grande Union High School District, please visit www.cguhsd.org.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS
Casa Grande Union High School District will destroy special education records of former students who are no longer eligible for services and whose records have met applicable retention requirements under Arizona law.
If you are a former student, parent, or legal guardian and would like to obtain copies of records before destruction, please submit a written request to the District Office by June 1st, 2026.
Requests may be submitted to:
Student Services Attn. Lee Brown
Casa Grande Union High School District
1362 N. Casa Grande Ave
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
Phone: (520) 316-3360x1110
After the deadline, eligible records may be destroyed in accordance with state records retention requirements.
Casa Grande Union High School District will destroy special education records of former students who are no longer eligible for services and whose records have met applicable retention requirements under Arizona law.
If you are a former student, parent, or legal guardian and would like to obtain copies of records before destruction, please submit a written request to the District Office by June 1st, 2026.
Requests may be submitted to:
Student Services Attn. Lee Brown
Casa Grande Union High School District
1362 N. Casa Grande Ave
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
Phone: (520) 316-3360x1110
After the deadline, eligible records may be destroyed in accordance with state records retention requirements.
📣 The April CGUHSD Newsletter is here!
Stay up to date with the latest news, highlights, upcoming events, student achievements, and everything happening across Casa Grande Union High School District. 🌟📚
Check it out now 👉 https://app.smore.com/n/kt42m
Stay up to date with the latest news, highlights, upcoming events, student achievements, and everything happening across Casa Grande Union High School District. 🌟📚
Check it out now 👉 https://app.smore.com/n/kt42m

Attention Parents & Seniors: Bookstore Fines & Fees Reminder
To help ensure a smooth Senior Checkout Day, parents and seniors are encouraged to check with the Bookstore to see if there are any outstanding bookstore fines or fees.
✔️ Beat the line and avoid delays by taking care of fines and fees ahead of time.
Payments can be made online by visiting:
👉 https://az-casagrande.intouchreceipting.com/
If you have questions or would like to verify a balance, please contact your school’s bookstore:
Casa Grande Union High School Bookstore: [520-836-8500 ext. 3201]
Vista Grande High School Bookstore: [520-876-9400 ext. 4588]
PACE Bookstore: [520-316-3360 ext. 1100]
To help ensure a smooth Senior Checkout Day, parents and seniors are encouraged to check with the Bookstore to see if there are any outstanding bookstore fines or fees.
✔️ Beat the line and avoid delays by taking care of fines and fees ahead of time.
Payments can be made online by visiting:
👉 https://az-casagrande.intouchreceipting.com/
If you have questions or would like to verify a balance, please contact your school’s bookstore:
Casa Grande Union High School Bookstore: [520-836-8500 ext. 3201]
Vista Grande High School Bookstore: [520-876-9400 ext. 4588]
PACE Bookstore: [520-316-3360 ext. 1100]
![Attention Parents & Seniors: Bookstore Fines & Fees Reminder To help ensure a smooth Senior Checkout Day, parents and seniors are encouraged to check with the Bookstore to see if there are any outstanding bookstore fines or fees. ✔️ Beat the line and avoid delays by taking care of fines and fees ahead of time. Payments can be made online by visiting: 👉 https://az-casagrande.intouchreceipting.com/ If you have questions or would like to verify a balance, please contact your school’s bookstore: Casa Grande Union High School Bookstore: [520-836-8500 ext. 3201] Vista Grande High School Bookstore: [520-876-9400 ext. 4588] PACE Bookstore: [520-316-3360 ext. 1100]](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/casa_grande_union_high_school_district_ar/live_feed_image/image/26133360/large_Screenshot_2026-04-17_115530.png)
Class of 2026 students and families,.
Please join the VGHS Counseling Department on Thursday, April 23rd at 6:00 PM in the auditorium for an important meeting covering graduation information, senior deadlines, and upcoming events.
We hope to see you there!
Please join the VGHS Counseling Department on Thursday, April 23rd at 6:00 PM in the auditorium for an important meeting covering graduation information, senior deadlines, and upcoming events.
We hope to see you there!

History in the making at CGUHS! 🏐
Join us Monday, April 20 for the first-ever Boys Volleyball match as the Cougars take on Rio Rico!
JV at 4:30 PM | Varsity at 5:30 PM
Come out and support our Cougars! 💙💛
Join us Monday, April 20 for the first-ever Boys Volleyball match as the Cougars take on Rio Rico!
JV at 4:30 PM | Varsity at 5:30 PM
Come out and support our Cougars! 💙💛

The time has arrived! The Casa Grande Union High School Prom will be held at the Pinal County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 8pm to 11 PM. Save the date, and we will see you there. Stay tuned for details on tickets and theme. 🌙💫👑
Follow the Instagram page of the CGUHS class of 2027 @cguhs.2027 to receive timely updates for prom!
Follow the Instagram page of the CGUHS class of 2027 @cguhs.2027 to receive timely updates for prom!

Vista Grande Junior–Senior Prom 2026 ✨🎭
“Unmask the Night”
📅 April 18, 2026
📍 Vista Grande High School
⏰ 7:00 – 10:00 PM
🎟 Ticket Prices:
Single: $65
Couple: $90
At the Gate: $75
🚪 Gates close at 8:30 PM
‼️ All student IDs are required upon entry ‼️
Get ready to dress up, show out, and unmask the night!
“Unmask the Night”
📅 April 18, 2026
📍 Vista Grande High School
⏰ 7:00 – 10:00 PM
🎟 Ticket Prices:
Single: $65
Couple: $90
At the Gate: $75
🚪 Gates close at 8:30 PM
‼️ All student IDs are required upon entry ‼️
Get ready to dress up, show out, and unmask the night!

ACT Aspire 9 testing is this Wednesday, April 15.
Only 9th grade students will be on campus. Testing begins promptly at 8:30 AM, with dismissal at 1:05 PM.
Students in grades 10–12 will participate in required distance learning.
Only 9th grade students will be on campus. Testing begins promptly at 8:30 AM, with dismissal at 1:05 PM.
Students in grades 10–12 will participate in required distance learning.

AzSci Testing April 7

📣 We Need Your Voice!
Families in the Casa Grande Union High School District — your feedback matters! We invite you to take a few minutes to complete our Family Survey and share your thoughts and experiences. Your input helps us improve our programs, strengthen our schools, and better support every student in our community.
✨ It only takes a few minutes
✨ Your responses are confidential
✨ Your voice makes a difference
Please take a moment today to complete the survey.
👉 Use the Family Survey Link below or the link sent to your email from Possip.
https://www.weeklypossip.com/surveys/wyqrhm?position=1
Thank you for being an important part of our school community! 📚
Families in the Casa Grande Union High School District — your feedback matters! We invite you to take a few minutes to complete our Family Survey and share your thoughts and experiences. Your input helps us improve our programs, strengthen our schools, and better support every student in our community.
✨ It only takes a few minutes
✨ Your responses are confidential
✨ Your voice makes a difference
Please take a moment today to complete the survey.
👉 Use the Family Survey Link below or the link sent to your email from Possip.
https://www.weeklypossip.com/surveys/wyqrhm?position=1
Thank you for being an important part of our school community! 📚

