Junior Class ACT Testing

Testing will take place on:
 Monday, March 30
 Tuesday, March 31

Please note:

• Students should arrive by 8:00 AM.

• Students will be taking the ACT test. This is an all-day test.

• No phones or electronic devices are allowed. If needed, students can be contacted through the main office.

• Students will be tested in Math, Science, English, Reading, and Writing.

This test is an important opportunity for your student to open doors to college, earn scholarships, and prepare for future success.

• Students have been provided with a testing practice link through their school email and are encouraged to practice before test day.

Thank you for encouraging your student to try their best and for helping them arrive on time. We are grateful for your support.

Junior Class AzSCI Testing

Testing will take place on:
 Tuesday, March 17
 Wednesday, March 18

Please note:
• Students should arrive by 8:00 AM.
• Students will be taking the state AzSCI test.
• A few weeks ago, students were provided with a testing practice link  through their school emails. They can continue to practice there.

Thank you for encouraging your students to try their best and for helping them arrive on time. We are grateful for your support.

Good evening,

We understand that many families have questions and concerns regarding the water situation at our schools. Please know that we share those concerns. It is out of an abundance of care for our students, staff, and community that we are providing the following information and timeline.

Prior to 3:28 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, there had been no reports of any issues with the water at either school. If any students or staff were aware of a concern earlier, it had not been reported. We encourage everyone—staff and students alike—to report any issues or concerns immediately. If you see something, please say something.

At 3:28 p.m., our Food Service Director discovered that the ice in the cafeteria was discolored. At that time, cafeteria staff believed, in good faith, that the issue was with the ice machine itself rather than the water supply.

Maintenance staff were notified and came to inspect the machine. They began taking it apart to clean it, again believing the issue was equipment-related. Unfortunately, during that process they discovered that the concern was actually with the water.

• 5:02 p.m. – The Food Service Director emailed administration at both schools with concerns that the issue was in fact with the water supply, not the equipment.
• 5:16 p.m. – The Superintendent began communicating with maintenance staff at both schools to check on the water situation.
• 6:05 p.m. – The Superintendent participated in a group call with maintenance staff, representatives from both school boards, and the water department.
• 6:31 p.m. – The Superintendent held another group call with the Food Service Director and representatives from both school boards. A plan was developed and agreed upon.
• 7:11 p.m. – The decision was made to cancel school, and notifications were sent to families.

Today, our Food Service Director and maintenance staff came in early and have been in continued communication with the Superintendent, the health department, and the water company. The water company has inspected the situation. The Superintendent traveled to Sierra Vista to obtain bottled water, and maintenance staff also traveled there to obtain equipment needed to install an additional filter in the cafeteria, which will be installed after students leave school tomorrow.

This afternoon, the Superintendent and the Food Service Director participated in a group call with the health department. They advised that school can safely be held tomorrow provided that bottled water is available and the cafeteria menu is adjusted to avoid any cooking that requires water.

School will be in session tomorrow and it will remain the scheduled half day.

We completely respect and understand parental concerns. Any student who does not attend tomorrow will be excused without penalty.  Please ensure that you call the office and report you are holding your student(s) home related to this concern.

To ensure safety:

• Bottled water will be available.
• The cafeteria menu will be modified to dry items only, with no scratch cooking that requires water.
• Gallons of water are available for dishwashing and sanitation.

The health department thanked our staff and governing boards for the care and caution shown in canceling school today and indicated they are comfortable with the plan in place for tomorrow.

Thank you for your care, patience, and continued support of our schools and our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly on my cell phone:

Elizabeth Hawkins, Superintendent

520-422-5552

 School Closure Notice – Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Due to water issues, Elfrida Elementary School and Valley Union High School will not have school on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The Health Department is being notified, and we are actively communicating with the Water Department. Our priority is to be safe and proactive while the situation is addressed.

At this time, we anticipate school will resume on Thursday, which will still be a scheduled half day. We will continue to keep families informed with any updates.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our schools. We appreciate our community!

PROM details have been announced. Please watch the video for important details.