Help us build a new playground!

« Back  |  February 5, 2025 - Stefanie Contreras

ASU Prep South Phoenix’s K-6 campus is currently fundraising for a new playground. Help us reach our goal of a new playground for students by making a donation today!

The playground will be installed in the back area of our campus. Currently, students can only play on the cement area where we have a basketball hoop and sitting space. We are preparing them for strong futures, but our students need a dedicated place to play and have fun.

Please consider making a donation to ASU Prep’s playground fundraiser! To make a donation, please visit this link and click “Give now.”

Thank you for supporting our Sun Devils! Your generosity will impact the more than 160 students who attend our school, and your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by state law (please consult a qualified tax adviser with questions about your personal tax deduction eligibility).

Celebrating ASU Prep South Phoenix Primary/Intermediate’s Transformational Teacher Leaders

« Back  |  November 6, 2024 - ASU Prep Academy

At ASU Prep South Phoenix Primary/Intermediate School, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of our new Transformational Teacher Leaders (TTLs). These educators are not only exceptional teachers but also visionary leaders who are set to inspire both their colleagues and students.

What is a Transformational Teacher Leader?

Transformational Teacher Leaders embody the mission and core values of ASU Prep. They lead by example, making data and research-based decisions while implementing innovative techniques. These educators take risks and foster collaboration throughout the school community. 

In this pivotal role, TTLs balance teaching with leadership, allowing them to remain in the classroom while taking on responsibilities that drive instructional progress. It provides a chance for teachers who love teaching to expand their leadership capabilities without leaving the classroom behind.

Meet our Transformational Teacher Leaders

Dr. Heidi Valenzuela

Dr. Heidi Valenzuela

Dr. Valenzuela brings a wealth of experience and education to her role as a TTL. With a multidisciplinary background in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Reading K-8, and Educational Leadership and Policy, Dr. Valenzuela has taught elementary, STEM, and reading intervention. Her research interests include Equity Literacy, Multi-tiered Systems of Support, and Multilingual Learners. An alumnus of Arizona State University for her undergraduate studies, she earned her Master’s at ASU and Northern Arizona University, and her Doctorate at the University of Arizona.

Dr. Valenzuela shares, “As a transformational teacher leader, I find deep satisfaction and fulfillment in my role, knowing that I contribute to something larger than myself. Working toward the improvement of education and the betterment of students’ lives is my sense of purpose, fueling my motivation and excitement every day.”

Rae Estrada

Rae Estrada

Ms. Estrada is an experienced educator with roots in the greater Phoenix area, having dedicated 27 years to teaching. Her career also includes three years in the United Arab Emirates and four years as an English Language Development Content Specialist. With degrees from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and Grand Canyon University, Ms. Estrada  is passionate about fostering a passion for learning and supporting both teachers and students to reach their full potential.

Quoting The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse, Ms. Estrada echoes, “Always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can.” She aims to cultivate a growth mindset in the classroom, empowering students to learn from their experiences and pursue their passions without barriers. Ms. Estrada is committed to strengthening the relationships within our school community, helping ASU Prep achieve its mission of raising academic achievement for all students.

Continued educational excellence

With Dr. Valenzuela and Ms. Estrada as Transformational Teacher Leaders, South Phoenix Primary/Intermediate School is poised for exciting advancements in teaching and learning. Their dedication and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our school environment, enhancing opportunities for both students and teachers to excel. Join us in celebrating their commitment to education and their role in shaping the future of our school community.

Neighbors, nurturing community bonds: ASU Prep South Phoenix and The Kroc Center

« Back  |  October 23, 2023 - ASU Prep Academy

This school year, ASU Prep South Phoenix and The Salvation Army Kroc Center Phoenix have become more than just neighbors. Thanks to a special partnership, every ASU Prep South Phoenix 7–12 student and all K–12 staff members will now enjoy gold membership access at the Kroc Center.

Intermediate and High School Principal Patrick Gibbs credits the support of ASU Prep’s senior leadership Amy McGrath and Betsy Fowler, along with the Kroc Center’s community-driven generosity for making this possible. The Kroc Center already offers a discount for nonprofit partnerships but also extended an additional neighborly discount, making it possible for ASU Prep to purchase memberships for staff and students.

“We wanted to make sure that it was 100% accessible to all students,” says Gibbs. The partnership doesn’t stop at students and staff—50 families have also been offered a discounted family membership that allows for up to 6 members. This way, parents/guardians and siblings can benefit too.

A shared vision

This partnership between ASU Prep South Phoenix and The Kroc Center is a testament to the strength of community collaboration. It’s about more than just sharing resources—it’s about shared values, shared goals, and a shared commitment to uplifting individuals and families.

As Principal Gibbs notes, “The Kroc Center is doing good work and we’re doing good work. It just makes sense for organizations that have that same goal of uplifting people and creating safe community spaces to work together.”

Captain Caroline Rowe, Corps Officer and Administrator at the Kroc Center, agrees, “ASU services the same individuals we seek to serve, so it is such a pleasure to have these children and families come and use The Salvation Army Phoenix Kroc Center.”

ASU Prep South Phoenix is more than a school—it’s a close-knit community. Many of the students are on the path to becoming first-generation college students. Their families send them to ASU Prep South Phoenix for its challenging college and career preparatory programs that include a dependable support network. Sometimes that support comes from family members who are also at the school. Whether it’s classmates who are cousins or a staff member who holds the title of godfather, many individuals at ASU Prep South Phoenix share connections and look after each other.

And now this network of support extends to the neighboring Kroc Center. The Kroc Center, since its opening in May 2012, has served more than a million people with its programs in arts, education, recreation, wellness, and spiritual guidance. It was developed thanks to a $90 million grant from a bequest to The Salvation Army by the late Mrs. Joan Kroc, widow of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc. Captain Rowe says, “We believe this facility is here as a beacon of light and a safe place for the children and families in this community.” She’s happy to see all the new faces making use of the membership opportunity and all it has to offer.

The benefits

The Kroc Center is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing an accessible and safe space for students to use exercise equipment or study areas, before or after school. This is especially beneficial for students navigating parents’ work schedules that don’t align with school drop-off and pick-up times. Students enjoy the athletic opportunities, like basketball, volleyball, and the state-of-the-art Aquatic Center.

Students who are weightlifting might spot the school’s security guard or their math or English teacher. There might even be some students attempting to out-bench one of their teachers. Principal Gibbs says some teachers walk the indoor track at lunch, saying, “That’s a super cool bonus to help with teacher wellness and balance. It’s also really fun for the kids to see the teachers living a healthy lifestyle.”

Because of the close proximity of the Center, within walking distance, ASU Prep South Phoenix has even been using the facilities for regular P.E. classes. The school also takes advantage of the gaming lounge to host their weekly eSports club, a competitive electronic sports team.

Founder Joan Kroc’s vision for the Center was “A place where you will feel welcomed and supported no matter what your physical, educational, or social goals, and every person in our community is a critical component.” This collaboration recognizes and uplifts the staff and students of ASU Prep South Phoenix as the critical components they are—honored members of our community.

Learn more

To learn more about ASU Prep South Phoenix, visit asuprep.asu.edu. For more information about The Phoenix Kroc Center, visit krocphoenix.org.

Summer Tips: Get Kids Out of the House

« Back  |  July 17, 2023 - ASU Preparatory Academy

Learning should be – and can be – fun. Summer is the perfect time to engage young learners in meaningful opportunities to be curious, to explore, and to discover new interests. Check out this list of fun yet educational (and often free) activities to get your kids out of the house and learning this summer.

Try Geocaching: A combination of technology and active outdoor time, “The world’s largest treasure hunt” involves searching for hidden items in a specific geographical area using GPS coordinates on your smart device. Create a free account on www.geocaching.com and download the app. Choose a cache to find based on area and level of difficulty and head out for adventure.

Go on a Scavenger Hunt: Apps like Monkey Spot or Goosechase include scavenger hunts kids can do outdoors or in everyday places like the grocery store, finding assigned objects. You can also search online for free printable scavenger hunts by topic — seasonal, outdoor or color/alphabet-themed. 

Explore Outdoors: Discover history and culture and connect with nature at a state or national park. The National Park Service offers a Junior Ranger program with interactive activities that give kids a chance to earn a badge and certificate. Bonus: Fourth graders can visit America’s National Parks for free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass. 

Roam a Local Garden: Let kids explore exhibits, feed fish, and identify types of flowers. The Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix offers free admission 5:00-7:30 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, and The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix hosts Community Day with free admission on the second Tuesday of the month. Search online to find more beautiful gardens and special deals to explore. 

Tour a Museum or Science Center: Check online for nearby museums of art or history as well as science centers for hours, special activities, and free admission opportunities. Some options near our ASU Prep campuses include Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Through Museums for All, families presenting their SNAP EBT card can gain free or reduced admission to participating venues, and some banks offer their cardholders free or discounted museum passes. Check out an Act One Culture Pass from a public library to gain free access to Arizona’s arts and cultural treasures. 

Visit a Zoo or Aquarium. Check out animal encounters, tour habitats, learn about endangered species, get involved in conservation efforts, and take advantage of play areas.

Try Something New: Research local kid-oriented classes and workshops like pottery, painting, cooking, bird-watching, coding, or photography. Consider looking into Lowe’s or Home Depot’s building workshops or events held at nearby craft stores. Perhaps a new physical activity like gymnastics, martial arts, indoor rock climbing, dance, or ninja warrior training would be a good fit.

Stop in the Local Library: Local public libraries don’t only offer books for free check-out, but also host story time and hands-on activities like crafts, as well as interactive demonstrations like a magic show or science experiment.

Can’t Get Out of the House? Take your kids on a virtual field trip from the comfort of home to places like the Louvre in France or the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tune in to one of the many educational programs offered on YouTube or keep kids busy with an at-home scavenger hunt. 

No matter where this summer takes you and your family, try to include fun learning opportunities for the kids. When planning outdoor activities, be sure to consider the weather. Wear sun protection, hydrate, and have fun!