🚧 Traffic Alert: McCartney Road Closure
Beginning Friday, July 17 at 9 p.m. through Sunday, July 26 at 9 p.m., McCartney Road between Pinal Avenue and Trekell Road will be closed for roadway paving and intersection improvements.
If you're traveling to summer activities, Student Roundup, or other district events, please:
🚗 Allow extra travel time.
➡️ Follow posted detour routes.
📍 Plan ahead before heading out.
The City of Casa Grande has scheduled this work before the start of the school year to help minimize impacts once classes begin.
Please review the attached detour map before you travel.

Attention Cougars! 🐾💙💛
Back to School Roundup for the 2026–2027 school year is coming July 13–17 from 1:00–6:00 p.m. daily at Casa Grande Union High School! Student Roundup is an exciting opportunity for students to receive their school ID, pick up their laptop, and learn about the many programs, activities, and opportunities available at their schools.
Online Registration must be completed before attending Student Roundup. All new and returning students in the Casa Grande Union High School District are required to complete their online registration each year. Students with incomplete online registrations may experience longer wait times or be unable to fully participate in Student Roundup activities.
To help make the process smoother, students should attend on the day assigned to their last name:
🔹 July 13: A–C
🔹 July 14: D–H
🔹 July 15: I–M
🔹 July 16: N–R
🔹 July 17: S–Z
📍 Roundup will take place in the Large Gym and Small Gym.
We can't wait to welcome our new and returning Cougars and get ready for another great school year!

Attention Spartans!
Back to School Roundup for the 2026–2027 school year is coming July 13–17 from 1:00–6:00 p.m. daily at Vista Grande High School! Student Roundup is an exciting opportunity for students to receive their school ID, pick up their laptop, and learn about the many programs, activities, and opportunities available at their schools.
Online Registration must be completed before attending Student Roundup. All new and returning students in the Casa Grande Union High School District are required to complete their online registration each year. Students with incomplete online registrations may experience longer wait times or be unable to fully participate in Student Roundup activities.
To help make the process smoother, students should attend on the day assigned to their last name:
🔹 July 13: A–C
🔹 July 14: D–H
🔹 July 15: I–M
🔹 July 16: N–R
🔹 July 17: S–Z
📍 Roundup will take place in the Gym
We can't wait to welcome our new and returning Spartans and get ready for another great school year!

✨💗 Reminder! 💗✨

There's still time to join the Vista Grande Dance Company for the 2026–2027 season!

🩰 Need extra practice? Attend our Open Studio sessions for help with skills, technique, and tryout material.

Open Studio
📅 August 3, 4 & 6
🕞 3:30–5:30 p.m.
📍 Building 4, Dance Room 4008

Dance Company Tryouts
📅 August 10, 11, 13 & 14
🕞 3:30–5:30 p.m.
📍 Building 4, Dance Room 4008

💙 Open to all Vista Grande High School grade levels! Whether you're a returning dancer or trying out for the first time, we'd love to see you there.

Questions? Contact Coach Vaughn at cvaughn@cguhsd.org.

💖✨ Ready to take the stage? ✨💖

The Vista Grande Dance Company is holding auditions for the 2026–2027 season, and we want to see what you've got!

🩰 Audition Dates: August 10, 11, 13 & 14
📍 Location: Building 4, Dance Room 4008
🕞 Time: 3:30–5:30 p.m.

What to Wear:
✔️ Black T-shirt
✔️ Black leggings
✔️ Dance shoes (jazz shoes or turners) or fresh socks & tennis shoes
✔️ Hair up, no jewelry

Whether you're an experienced dancer or ready to challenge yourself, this is your chance to be part of an incredible team, perform, grow your skills, and represent Vista Grande with pride.

Questions? Contact Coach Vaughn at cvaughn@cguhsd.org.

📣 The June 29 edition of the Inspiring Excellence Weekly Newsletter is here!

Catch up on the latest news from across Casa Grande Union High School District, including student achievements, upcoming events, registration information, summer programs, and more.

Don't miss out on everything happening throughout our district—read this week's newsletter today!

📖 https://cguhsd.edurooms.com/newsletters/test/newsletters/6-29-inspiring-excellence-newsletter

🎶🎺 Vista Grande HS Band is gearing up for an amazing season! 🥁🎶

Join us for Marching Band Camp, July 6–10, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Vista Grande HS Band Room. Whether you're a returning member or new to the program, this is where the music, teamwork, and Spartan spirit come together!

📅 July 6–10
⏰ 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
📍 Vista Grande HS Band Room

Questions? Contact Mr. Moore at amoore@cguhsd.org.

⏰ Reminder, Class of 2026! ⏰

The deadline to submit your Pinal Promise application is quickly approaching!

📅 Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

Don't miss this opportunity to take the next step toward your future. Make sure your application is completed and submitted before the deadline.

For more information and to apply, visit the Pinal Promise website.

What’s the difference between Online Registration and Round Up? 🤔
In this video, governing board member Kelly Herrington and public relations officer Jennifer Kortsen explain the difference between Online Registration and Round Up and help families understand which process applies to their student.
🎥 Watch the video for a quick, easy explanation and get ready for the upcoming school year!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/692983167243260

🏐 Ready to take your game to the next level? Join the Vista Grande High School Summer Volleyball Camp from June 1–24, Mondays through Thursdays from 12–2 PM! Open to athletes looking to build skills, compete, and have fun this summer. Registration is $100 and includes a free camp T-shirt. Scan the QR code to register today! 🔥❤️🖤

📣 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.

☀️ 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!

☀️ 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! 💙💛

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! 🐆💛

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. 📄✨

🎓 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!

🏈 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

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! 🖤💛

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.