San Luis High School News

Yuma Union High School District is hosting a College, Career, Community, and Military (CCCM) Fair for all students and families on Thursday, November 6, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Cibola High School. 

The event is an opportunity to connect directly with college and university representatives, military recruiters, trade schools, and more.

“The College, Career, Community, and Military Fair is designed to help students and families explore a wide range of opportunities beyond high school,” YUHSD Director of College and Career Readiness Christal Buckley said. “By participating, students gain exposure to colleges, career pathways, community organizations, and military options—all in one place.”

Arizona's major universities, two-year colleges, military academies/Reserve Officer Training Corps representatives, community agencies and career and technical programs will be present at the event along with businesses from around Yuma County previewing internships and future job prospects.

This is the first time YUHSD has hosted an in-person, district-wide CCCM Fair since 2019. In addition to the November 6 event, all YUHSD schools will also be hosting their own CCCM Fair for their respective students during the school day from November 18-20. 

San Luis High School senior Karely Alvarado will be recognized as Student of the Month at the Arizona State Board of Education's meeting on October 27, 2025. 

Alvarado was nominated by San Luis High School counselor Elva Lozano for her academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to learning.

“Karely’s achievements, from national awards to her participation in programs at MIT and Washington, D.C., reflect her dedication and curiosity,” Lozano said. “She is an exceptional scholar and leader, and this recognition is well deserved.”

Alvarado has earned multiple honors including the National Statesman Award, Joaquin Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program Alumni recognition, A-Team membership, and designation as an Arizona Western College Ambassador of Excellence. She also participated in the Washington Leadership Training Institute and presented research this summer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as part of the MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) Semester Symposium.

“It feels unbelievably surreal,” Alvarado said. “To be recognized among so many brilliant students in Arizona makes me proud and grateful for everyone who has encouraged me along the way. I appreciate the Board of Education for this honor. It is a reflection of all the people who believed in me.”

During the meeting, Alvarado will share remarks about her academic journey and the experiences that have shaped her as a student. After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in chemical engineering.

The meeting will be live-streamed on YouTube and can be viewed here: Arizona State Board of Education streams.

San Luis High School was recognized at the 2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and College Readiness Symposium on September 12 at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus for its success in improving FAFSA completion rates.

The school’s session, Building a Culture of FAFSA and Equity, highlighted how San Luis High School shifted FAFSA completion from a compliance task to a schoolwide effort. With support from GEAR UP, Arizona Western College, Earn-to-Learn interns, and the school’s administration and counselors, the initiative focused on data-driven strategies, outreach, and family engagement.

As a result, San Luis High School has earned five Arizona FAFSA Challenge awards in the past six years.

“Attending the event was such an honor, and being recognized for our team’s efforts meant a great deal,” SLHS Director of Counseling Ceasr Castillo said. “Seeing our hard work toward achieving strong FAFSA completion rates acknowledged, reminded us of the impact we’re making together for students’ futures.”

Nearly 450 school counselors saw the presentation in person and online across the state. San Luis High School was highlighted in additional breakout sessions as an example for other schools to follow.

The symposium was hosted by the Arizona Board of Regents, the Arizona Department of Education, and the Arizona College Attainment Network.
 

Yuma Union High School District will host a Transition Fair on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the District Office Board Room, 3150 S. Avenue A.

The event will feature a variety of community agencies that provide services and resources for different stages of transition, including life after high school. Families will have the chance to learn about assistive technology, day programs, pre-employment services, job retention services, home and community-based services, and military options.

“Access to resources and guidance before graduation allows students and their families to plan ahead, explore available programs, and connect with the agencies and services that can best support their future goals,” YUHSD Transition Specialist Kacie Baker said. “By attending, families will have the chance to ask questions, build connections, and feel more confident about the path forward.”

Among the agencies scheduled to attend are YCAT, Collaborative Technology Solutions, Encircle Families, Community Health Associates, and MIKID.

The Transition Fair welcomes students of all ages and their families across the Yuma community.
 

Yuma Union High School District educators took part in a district-wide professional
development day on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.

The goal of the professional development day was to help teachers and support staff members improve their skills and better serve the students of YUHSD. Staff members participated in various group activities throughout the day, including a focus on personalized learning, lesson planning, IEP strategies, the Canvas learning management system, health and wellness, and more.

“Professional Development Day gives me the chance to stay up to date on the tools and strategies I need for my classroom,” Vista High School teacher Carmen Middaugh said. “It’s also a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and share ideas that can help our students succeed.”

The day began with all teachers gathering in the auditorium, where each school principal recognized one teacher with a championship belt, symbolizing the champion they are for their students.

Here are the school champions for fall 2025:
Holly Hendrick, Cibola High School; Araceli Hermoso Palacios, Gila Ridge High School; Sheryl Clifton, Kofa High School; Maria Salgado, San Luis High School;Ron Bratton, Somerton High School; Carmen Middaugh, Vista High School; and Maj. James Branch and Sgt. Maj .Jeffrey Conway, Yuma High School.

In addition to staff training, students also gained valuable experience during PD Day. Students from Gila Ridge High School’s Film and TV Production program and Kofa High School’s Digital Photography program collaborated with the YUHSD Communications team to capture the day as part of a Work-Based Learning opportunity.

“I think the district has given students a valuable opportunity to apply the hands-on skills they’ve learned in the classroom,” YUHSD CTE Work-Based Learning Director Mariana Martinez Reynoso said. “The students came prepared and ready, and it was exciting to see them put their learning into practice.”

YUHSD typically hosts professional development days for teachers and staff once a semester to give them an opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other. The second professional development day, recognized county wide, will take place in February 2026. Support staff members also took part in a variety of activities at various sites throughout the district.

While the district was closed to the public, students were engaged through Canvas, while
working from home. School resumed as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
 

San Luis High School student Mae Gomez conducted research in astrophysics and tracked a near-earth asteroid while participating in the Summer Science Program at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. 

Over the course of 35 days living on campus with 587 other top science students from around the world, Gomez participated in lectures covering advanced topics in math, physics, and astrophysics. 

“Participating in the Summer Science Program exposed me to a world of astronomy, physics, and mathematics that I had never gotten the opportunity to explore before,” Gomez said. “Now that I am back home, I hope to continue encouraging others to pursue their biggest dreams.”

She studied everything from mathematics to the nature of black holes and white dwarfs. The program also included a mix of collaborative workshops, writing scientific reports, and independent work. When not in workshops, she focused on problem sets, python coding, and most importantly, asteroid research. 

While working with university professors, leaders in STEM, and touring local scientific and cultural sites, this experience gave her a sample of what scientific research looks like: rigorous, collaborative, and rewarding.

“Mae Gomez’s journey through the Summer Science Program not only advanced her scientific skills but also fostered resilience, leadership, and a deep sense of belonging in a competitive STEM environment where Hispanic females are underrepresented,” SLHS science teacher Bryant Mendez said. “Mae is now positioned as a role model, inspiring other young students, especially girls and minorities, to pursue STEM fields.”

She earned a spot in the program through a competitive application process with an average acceptance rate of just 10 percent. 

The Summer Science Program is a non-profit, unique and highly selective experience that introduces high school students to hands-on, collaborative experimental research in astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, synthetic chemistry, and cell biology since 1959.

Yuma Union High School District and its schools will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 in observance of Labor Day. School across the district will resume as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

For more information about the district calendar, please visit YumaUnion.org or click https://www.yumaunion.org/district1/district/district-calendars

After supporting over 180 families last school year, Yuma Union High School District is excited to continue its Parent Academy series this fall, beginning September 2.

Parent Academy is designed to help you feel confident and informed as your child navigates high school. Attendees will learn about:

· How students can earn college credit while in high school

· Support services available to students and families

· Ways to get involved in your child’s education

· Planning for life after graduation—college, career, and community

“Parent Academy is designed to empower families with the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to help their students thrive in high school and beyond,” Somerton High School Director of Counseling Maria Dillard said. “With a refreshed and expanded curriculum this year, we’re inviting parents to learn alongside their students and take an active role in shaping their future success in college, career, and community life.”

Flexible Ways to Join:

· In-person sessions

· Live virtual sessions on Wednesdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m.

· On-demand videos available anytime on the district website

Each session covers a new topic in just one hour. Join any session that fits your schedule—no RSVP required. Families will, however, receive reminders and info via ParentSquare, the district’s mass messaging platform.

 

See below for the complete list of weekly sessions and locations:

Tuesdays (5:30-6:30)

Kofa High School (English and Spanish)

San Luis High School (Spanish)

Somerton High School

Yuma High School

Wednesdays (5:30-6:30)

Cibola High School

San Luis High School

Virtua

Thursdays (5:30-6:30)

Gila Ridge High School

 

Week 1 Sept 2-4 

Academics: Technology platforms, communication, attendance, concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, standards-based grading, earn college credit in high school.

During Session 1 of YUHSD Parent Academy, parents will receive an introduction to the technology platforms used for learning and communication, guidance on effective communication with teachers and staff, and the importance of regular attendance. The session will cover concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities, allowing students to earn both high school and college credits, as well as various programs that enable students to earn college credit while still in high school. The session will also explain standards-based grading, which measures student proficiency based on set standards, and outline the student supports available to help students succeed.

 

Week 2 Sept 9-11 

Student Supports: Teachers, Counselors, Para Professionals, Social Workers, Nurse, Administration, School Safety, IEP, 504

During session 2 of the YUHSD Parent Academy, discover the wide range of resources available to support your student’s success at YUHSD. This session will provide an overview of the dedicated team working to meet your child’s academic, social, and emotional needs, including teachers, counselors, para-professionals, social workers, nurses, and administrators. Learn about school safety measures, individualized education programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and other support systems designed to ensure every student thrives. Join us to connect with our team and explore how we partner with families to empower students.

 

Week 3 Sept 16-18

Getting Involved: Career and Technical Education (CTE), Mastery of the Arts Program, Athletics, Activities, Portrait of a Graduate

During Session 3 of YUHSD Parent Academy, parents will learn about various opportunities for student involvement and development. The session will cover Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which provide hands-on learning experiences in various trades and professions. Parents will also hear about the Mastery of the Arts Program, which encourages students to develop their artistic talents. Additionally, the session will highlight the athletics and extracurricular activities available, promoting physical health and teamwork. Finally, the Portrait of a Graduate will be discussed, outlining the key skills and attributes students should develop to succeed in life beyond high school.

 

Week 4 Sept 23-25

Planning for the Future:  realizing goals, senior packet, exploring the future, transcript review, admissions, standardized tests, post graduate pathways, financial aid.

During Session 4 of YUHSD Parent Academy, parents will be equipped with essential information to help their students plan for the future and achieve their goals. This session will cover the components of the senior packet, crucial for graduation preparations, and offer guidance on exploring future career and education options. Parents will learn about the importance of transcript reviews and the college admissions process, including standardized tests. Additionally, the session will discuss various post-graduate pathways, from higher education to vocational training, and provide an overview of financial aid opportunities to support students' educational endeavors.

Yuma Union High School District athletic programs will offer multiple ways to purchase tickets to events during the 2025-26 school year, including utilizing online ticketing platform GoFan. 

“We’re excited to bring GoFan digital ticketing to our events because it makes the experience easier and faster for everyone,” Yuma High School Athletic Director Steve Anderson said. “Fans can purchase tickets right from their phones, skip the hassle of carrying cash, and get through the gates quicker. It’s a win-win for our staff and our community.”  

Fall athletic events begin on Tuesday, August 26. All YUHSD home games that require a purchased ticket will accept payment through the GoFan mobile application and cash. 

To download the GoFan app, event-goers are encouraged to visit their preferred app store and search “GoFan.” For convenience, QR codes will also be available at each participating event.

Ticket prices are as follows for all regular-season YUHSD home games: 
•    Regular: $6 
•    Military/senior discount: $5
•    High school students are free with a valid student identification card.
 

San Luis High School’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter was honored for their efforts in the Donate Life Registry Challenge, organized by Donor Network of Arizona, during an on-field ceremony at an Arizona Diamondbacks game on July 19.

For the second consecutive year, San Luis’ EMS HOSA achieved the highest number of organ donor registrations in the state, marking the sixth time in the last eight years they have led the competition. Their efforts this year resulted in approximately 100 new organ donor registrations.

“It was an honor to be Arizona's Donate for Life winners,” SLHS senior Jose Gaxiola said. “We are so amazed in how the community rallied and helped us get to that point and to support people in need.

The Donate Life Registry Challenge is an annual competition among Arizona high schools to promote organ, eye, and tissue donation. Earlier this year, the SLHS EMS HOSA chapter was awarded $1,000 in the large high school category at the Arizona HOSA conference for earning the highest number of registrations in the state.

“I am proud that my students engage in signing up people to become organ donors and that they can potentially save someone’s life in the event something tragic happens to them,” San Luis High School EMS teacher Kimberly Elg said. “That their legacy will live on in someone else. I loved that I was able to represent my students and school in that stadium and to have thousands of people know that my students are having people sign up and encouraging others to help.”
 

Yuma Union High School District’s longtime, bold goal to get its dropout rate to zero continues to inch closer to reality. For the fifth consecutive year, the district reported a decline in its dropout rate, a number that remains more than 3 percent better than the state average.

According to data compiled from Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Connect, YUHSD’s dropout rate for the 2024-25 school year was 1.13 overall, while the Arizona state average dropout rate was 4.47. 

YUHSD has outperformed the state of Arizona every year since 2012.

“I’m incredibly proud and encouraged by our district's low dropout numbers,” YUHSD Associate Superintendent Lili Campa said. “They show students' resilience, but most importantly the dedication of every educator, support-staff member, and our dropout prevention specialists who have worked hard to ensure our students stay on a path to being college, career and community ready. The success motivates and gives us hope to keep pushing forward and work towards closing any remaining gaps." 

All YUHSD campuses employ a Dropout Prevention Specialist as part of their respective guidance counseling departments. The group of Yescina Cuming at Cibola, Patricia Quezada at Gila Ridge, Edgardo Gonzalez at Kofa, Rigoberto Conde at San Luis, Chris Reese at Somerton, Arisbey Garcia at Vista, and Anet Solorzano at Yuma High has been nationally recognized for the role they play in keeping students in school.

Asked what makes the dropout teams so successful, VHS Dropout Prevention Specialist Arisbey Garcia, said: “We take proactive steps to address the various areas where students are struggling. This is accomplished through collaboration with students, families, community partners and other methods to ensure students are provided with all available resources to remain in school.”

Dropout Prevention Specialists are part of the collaborative effort between the counseling department, teachers, and support staff members to intervene with students before they consider dropping out. This includes phone calls, one-on-one conversations with students, and home visits.

Here is a list of dropout data for all YUHSD schools from the 2024-25 school year:
Cibola: 1.19 percent
Gila Ridge: 0.91 percent
Kofa: 0.90 percent
San Luis: 0.70 percent
Somerton High: 0.92 percent
Vista: 0.32 percent
Yuma High: 1.68 percent

Here are YUHSD’s dropout rates for the past five years:
2024-25: 1.13 percent
2023-24: 1.42 percent
2022-23: 2.14 percent
2021-22: 2.85 percent
2020-21: 3.58 percent