Falcon Flash
- 5/8/26
- Falcon Flash 4/24/26
- Falcon Flash 4/10/26
- Falcon Flash 3/20/26
- Falcon Flash 3/6/26
- Falcon Flash 2/20/26
- Falcon Flash 2/6/26
- Falcon Flash 1/23/26
- Falcon Flash 1/9/26
- Falcon Flash 12/19/25
- Falcon Flash 11/25/25
- Falcon Flash 11/14/25
- Falcon Flash 10/31/25
- Falcon Flash 10/17/25
- Falcon Flash 10/3/25
- Falcon Flash 9/12/25
- Falcon Flash 8/29/25
- Falcon Flash 8/15/25
- Back to School Edition 8/1/25
5/8/26
A Message From the Acting Principal
Happy Friday Cactus Shadows families!
This is the last week for our National Honor Society Food Drive for their Junior Project. Please bring nonperishable food items and place them in the donation box in the front office. Your donations will help provide meals to local families and support people in need. Thank you for showing your Falcon pride and giving back!
Thank you to all of you who helped make this week extra special for our teachers. Everyone definitely felt the love from PTO- because of all of you who have graciously donated to make weeks like this possible. Thank you!
Seniors begin their finals next week. Senior parents- you received the specific schedule for finals from me on Monday, May 4th via Parent Square and also an e-mail from Mr. Schnee. Please refer back to those sources of communication. 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students begin finals on May 21st and May 22nd. The administration will communicate specific information about that in next week’s newsletter.
Chromebooks: Seniors will be the only class who turns in their chromebooks this year. All other grades will keep their chromebooks over the summer and be ready to use them the first day of school. If students are not attending CSHS next year, they will need to turn their chromebook into the bookstore after the last final on the 22nd. This is a new process this year. There is additional information about this in this week’s Falcon Flash.
Please continue to support your child, no matter the grade level, to finish strong. With just a few days left in the 2025-2026 school year, every day, decision, and choice matters.
Have a good weekend, Falcons.
Together,
Jill Sarraino
Jill Sarraino
Director of Student Services/ Acting Principal- Cactus Shadows High School
Falcon Plan:
Yearbooks: All pre-purchased yearbooks have been distributed. We still have additional yearbooks available for sale in the bookstore. If your child did not receive a yearbook and would still like one, they may purchase one in the bookstore for $95 while supplies last.
AP Testing Reminders: We are mid-swing with AP testing! To help your student have a successful session, please remind them of the following:
-
Account Credentials: Students must know their Bluebook login information, as it will not be saved on the device.
-
Device Readiness: Chromebooks must be fully charged every morning. While we have support for technical issues, power outlets in testing rooms are extremely limited.
Final Exams & Encouragement As we head into the final weeks of May, I want to wish all of our students the best of luck with their upcoming finals. We know this time of year can be busy, but we are incredibly proud of the hard work and resilience our Falcons have shown. Stay focused, finish strong, and remember to take a deep breath. You’ve got this!
Parking
Junior Parking Registration (2026–2027): Parking registration is now officially open for our rising juniors! The application process is entirely digital. Please ensure your student logs into their school account to access the link. To complete the submission, you must upload current digital copies of the vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license.
Next Steps: Once approved, the fee will be added to your student’s account for payment. Placards will be available for pickup the week before school resumes in August.
Key points to remember:
- All-Digital: There is no paperwork this year; everything is handled digitally.
- Email Requirement: All documentation must be submitted through the student’s CCUSD email account.
Parking spaces: No assigned spots. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- May 11th-13th - Senior Final Exams
- May 12th - Senior Sunset @ 5:45-8PM. CSHS Football Field
- May 13th - Senior checkout day, ALL senior debts must be paid and items returned
- May 14th - Graduation practice from 8am - 11am in the Blue Gym
- May 15th - Senior Breakfast 8:30am - 9:45am, cafeteria. $25 per student (pay in the bookstore)
- May 15th - Mandatory Parade of Schools - 9:45am - 11:30am @ STMS and elementary schools
Senior Finals Schedule:
• May 11: Periods 3 & 5
• May 12: Periods 1 & 6
• May 13: Periods 2 & 4
End of Year Chromebook Procedures:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the end of the school year, we would like to share important information regarding Chromebook collection procedures. Please note that this process is different from previous years.
Chromebook Collection Changes from prior years:
- STMS Students: Only 8th grade students will turn in their Chromebooks at the end of the school year.
- CSHS Students: Only 12th grade students will turn in their Chromebooks.
Who must turn in a Chromebook:
- Any student who is graduating from CSHS (12th grade)
- Any student who is promoting from STMS (8th grade)
- Any student who is leaving the district and will not return next school year
Chromebook collection will happen on campus, during the last week of school. Students will be notified of the exact time and location.
Who will keep their Chromebook over the summer break:
- All returning students, with the exception of current 8th graders, will keep their Chromebooks over the summer break and are expected to bring them back on the first day of the next school year. Over the summer students are not required to use their Chromebooks; however, however they are expected to keep them safe and secure.
Additional Information:
- If your student purchased a Chromebook protection plan (warranty) at the beginning of the school year, coverage remains active throughout the summer.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping ensure Chromebooks are properly accounted for and ready for use next year. If you have any questions, please contact your school’s main office.
Sincerely,
CCUSD Technology Department
Falcons Athletics
Game schedules for all teams can be found on the Cactus Shadows Athletic Calendar.
Falcon game schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
Spring Sports Are Underway! Come fill the bleachers and support your Falcons all season long
What an AMAZING Spring season, and it’s still rolling strong for our Falcons!
Softball:
Our Lady Falcons opened the State Playoffs with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Thunderbird High School on Saturday, May 2nd. The team then traveled south of Tucson on Tuesday, May 5th and battled past Sahuarita High School 10-9 to advance to the State Quarterfinals! Our Lady Falcons return to Tucson on Saturday, May 9th to face Mica Mountain High School. Good luck, Lady Falcons! Thank you to Coach Brett Cundall for his outstanding leadership throughout the season!
Baseball:
Our Falcons Baseball team has advanced to the State Semifinals! The playoff run began with a 6-5 victory over Flagstaff High School on Saturday, May 2nd. The team then traveled to Tucson on Monday, May 4th and defeated Salpointe Catholic 8-4. That win propelled the Falcons into the State Quarterfinals on Wednesday, May 6th at Tempe Diablo Stadium, where they defeated ALA Gilbert North to continue their incredible postseason run. The State Semifinal game will be played Wednesday, May 13th (time TBD). Congratulations to Coach Josh Ellison and our Falcons on an outstanding season!
Boys Tennis:
Our Boys Tennis team fell to Catalina Foothills High School on Wednesday in the State Team competition, bringing an incredible season to an end. Congratulations to our Falcons and Coach Jesse Gomez on a tremendous year representing Cactus Shadows with pride and determination!
Girls Tennis:
Our doubles team of Abby and Natalie Scovil advanced all the way to the State Semifinals on Saturday, May 2nd before falling to the doubles team from Salpointe High School. Congratulations to Abby and Natalie, along with our entire Girls Tennis program, on a remarkable season! A special thank you to Coach Mike Kirby for his dedication and leadership throughout the year!
Boys Volleyball:
Boys Volleyball opened Round 1 of the AIA Playoffs on Friday, May 8th, hosting Agua Fria High School. Entering the playoffs as the #5 ranked team in the state, our Falcons have put together an outstanding season. Congratulations to Coach Shawn Covely and the entire program on an incredible year!
Track & Field:
Our Track & Field team competed in the AIA Division III State Championships on Friday and Saturday, May 8th and 9th at Shadow Mountain High School. Our Lady Falcons qualified for an impressive 12 events, while our Boys qualified in 4 events. Congratulations to all of our Track & Field athletes on an outstanding season, and thank you to Coach Powell for the hard work and dedication poured into our student-athletes throughout the year!
CSHS Website
Attached is a link for the CSHS website, where you can easily find answers to frequently asked questions, stay up to date on upcoming events, and access information about sports and testing.
For a full schedule of all upcoming sporting events click the link below.
CSHS Sports Calendar
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 4/24/26
A Message From the Acting Principal
Happy Friday Cactus Shadows families!
As we enter the final weeks of the 2025-2026 school year, it is essential that you help support your child in finishing strong academically. Please take time to regularly check PowerSchool to monitor attendance, ensure grades are on track, and identify any missing assignments that need immediate attention. Encourage your child to stay organized and proactive by attending office hours for extra help and clarification, and to begin preparing for finals well in advance. Open communication is key! If questions or concerns arise, encouraging your child to reach out to the teacher early on can make a meaningful difference. Most importantly, reinforce the importance of not waiting until the last minute; consistent effort and timely action now will reduce stress and set your child up for success at the end of the school year.
If you have a child who is doing the Superintendent’s Challenge, they must complete their hours by the following dates:
- 9th, 10th, 11th graders- Monday, May 4th
*All paperwork must be completed and turned in to the Superintendent’s office.*
AP Testing begins on Monday! Come prepared and refreshed!
As a reminder, prom is tomorrow, April 25th. I want to take this moment to remind our CSHS families that this is a school-sponsored event, and the same expectations for student behavior apply as they would during any school activity. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all of our students who are planning to attend. Again, we ask for your partnership in reinforcing these expectations at home. This includes adherence to our code of conduct, appropriate attire, and responsible decision-making before, during, and after the event. With your support, we can ensure that prom remains a positive and memorable occasion for all involved. Tomorrow will be a fabulous evening!
Have a good weekend, Falcons.
Together,
Jill Sarraino
Jill Sarraino
Director of Student Services/ Acting Principal- Cactus Shadows High School
Falcon Plan:
From the PTO:
Next PTO meeting: May 6th at 4:30 pm
Senior Parents! Check out this link for important information regarding VIP graduation seating!
Parking
- Rising Seniors: Sales began April 6th. Students should check their school emails for the link, and parents will receive reminders via Parent Square.
- Rising Juniors: Sales begin May 4th
- Rising Sophomores: Sales begin in July when the office opens.
Key points to remember:
- All-Digital: There is no paperwork this year; everything is handled digitally.
- Email Requirement: All documentation must be submitted through the student’s CCUSD email account.
Parking spaces: No assigned spots. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- April 25th - Prom 7-10PM
- May 4th - Senior Awards 9AM - 11AM. CSHS Blue Gym
- May 11th-13th - Senior Final Exams
- May 12th - Senior Sunset @ 5:45-8PM. CSHS Football Field
Falcons Athletics
Game schedules for all teams can be found on the Cactus Shadows Athletic Calendar.
Falcon game schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
Spring Sports Are Underway! Come fill the bleachers and support your Falcons all season long.
If you love to dance, want to be part of something bigger, and are ready to grow in confidence, skills, and friendships; THE CSHS DANCE TEAM IS CALLING YOUR NAME! We support each other, push each other, and celebrate every win together. From Friday night lights to unforgettable performances & competitions, you'll create memories that last a lifetime! Come try our program out at our tryout clinics where you will learn the skills & combinations needed for tryouts! Open to all athletes interested in joining our programs or seeing what we are all about.
Cactus Shadows High School Weekly Athletics Update
It’s an exciting time for Falcon Athletics as our teams continue to compete at a high level and gear up for postseason play!
Lady Falcons Tennis
Our #8 ranked Lady Falcons open the AIA State Team Playoffs on Tuesday, April 28th at 3:00 PM hosting. #9 Catalina Foothills High School. This marks their first state appearance in 4 years—come out and support!
Boys Tennis
The #10 ranked Falcons head to Paradise Valley High School on Wednesday, April 29th (3:00 PM) to take on the #7 Trojans to open the AIA State Team Playoffs. They’re finishing strong and looking to pull off an upset win on Wednesday!
Track & Field
Next stop: Northeast Valley Championships at Horizon High School on Monday, April 27th.
Shoutout to our Lady Falcons for a 2nd place finish at the Notre Dame Prep Invitational!
Softball
Our 5th ranked Lady Falcons are playing so great! They finished the season with 11 straight wins, outscoring opponents 123–29! AIA Playoffs begin Saturday, May 2nd (11:00 AM) – opponent/location TBD.
Baseball
The 6th ranked Falcons wrapped-up the regular season with an impressive 15–3 conference record! Playoffs begin Saturday, May 2nd (11:00 AM) – opponent/location TBD.
Boys Volleyball
Ranked #7 and sitting at 13–1, the Falcons close out the regular season with three matches:
- April 24 @ St. Mary’s
- April 28 @ Prescott
- April 29 @ Tempe
This team is primed for a strong playoff run!
Let’s go Falcons—keep competing, keep working hard, and represent with Falcon Pride!
CSHS Website
Attached is a link for the CSHS website, where you can easily find answers to frequently asked questions, stay up to date on upcoming events, and access information about sports and testing.
For a full schedule of all upcoming sporting events click the link below.
CSHS Sports Calendar
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 4/10/26
A Message From the Acting Principal
Happy Friday Cactus Shadows families!
What a week at CSHS! Tuesday was a successful day of testing for our 9th and 11th graders- thank you to everyone who did as we asked them to do with attendance. From what I am hearing, our attendance for this day was the best we have ever had. What a celebration! And the kids did outstanding by taking these assessments seriously. You really have no idea how much this is all appreciated. Great job students!
Cactus Thunder was such a success and hats off to our Student Council for planning such a cool event! Check out the pictures on our social media account. We have such incredible students and staff here at CSHS!
If you have a child who is doing the Superintendent’s Challenge, they must complete their hours by the following dates:
- Seniors- Friday, April 17th
- 9th, 10th, 11th graders- Monday, May 4th
*All paperwork must be completed and turned in to the Superintendent’s office.*
If you have a child who is in need of additional assistance for prom tickets or grad live tickets, please reach out to Beth Udisky at budisky@ccusd93.org. You must qualify for free and reduced lunches. Speaking of prom, if you have not purchased your tickets yet, you probably need to do so sooner than later. It sounds like those lines are pretty long if you wait until the last minute. See Mrs. Morgan in the bookstore. As a reminder, prom is April 25th.
We are in need of tissues and clorox wipes. If you have extras, would you please send it in? Thank you in advance! You can drop it off in the front office with Ms. Jody.
Finally, I’d like to extend a special thank you to our PTO. Their dedication to supporting both our staff and students is truly remarkable, and right now I’m seeing firsthand the outstanding effort they’re putting into making this a memorable year for our seniors. The care and thought they invest to ensure these milestone events are meaningful is truly exceptional. One day, your child will be a senior too. If you haven’t already, please consider making a donation as every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference, especially as fundraising has been particularly challenging this year. https://www.cshsfalconfamilies.com/
Have a good weekend, Falcons.
Together,
Jill Sarraino
Jill Sarraino
Director of Student Services/ Acting Principal- Cactus Shadows High School
Falcon Plan:
From the PTO:
Next PTO meeting: May 6th at 4:30 pm
Senior Parents! Check out this link for important information regarding VIP graduation seating!
Parking
- Rising Seniors: Sales began April 6th. Students should check their school emails for the link, and parents will receive reminders via Parent Square.
- Rising Juniors: Sales begin in May.
- Rising Sophomores: Sales begin in July when the office opens.
Key points to remember:
- All-Digital: There is no paperwork this year; everything is handled digitally.
- Email Requirement: All documentation must be submitted through the student’s CCUSD email account.
Parking spaces: No assigned spots. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- April 20th - Deadline for all scholarship award letters must be turned in to Ms. Young in the counseling office.
- April 24th - Senior Panoramic Picture @ Falcon Field at 8:30AM
- April 25th - Prom 7-10PM
Let’s Celebrate Our Seniors! Action Needed 
Hello Senior Falcon Families!
Can you believe we are already approaching the finish line? We are so incredibly proud of everything the Class of 2026 has achieved, and now we need your help to make sure they get the recognition they deserve!
Please take a quick moment with your student to complete these two essential steps so we can highlight their hard work during our upcoming celebrations:
-
The Senior Survey: Help us capture their journey and future plans!
Fill it out here -
Scholarship & Awards Info: We want to brag about their accomplishments! Let us know about any awards or scholarships they’ve received.
Submit info here
Thank you for helping us make this a memorable send-off for our Remarkable Falcons!
Student Services
Families, please take a moment to check your students’ grades, as we are about halfway through the semester. There is still time for students to improve any low grades before the end of the semester. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your student’s teacher—they will be happy to help and provide support.
ASU West Valley Campus will be hosting the following institutes for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors this June (24 students per institute). Applications will be closing on Monday, April 13, 2026 or sooner if all spots are filled.
Future Lawyers Institute: June 1-5
Forensic Science Institute: June 1-5
Future Lawyers Institute: June 8-12
Future Doctors Institute: June 8-12
Please feel empowered to share this information with all applicable students and families. More information regarding our Summer programs can be found here: https://newcollege.asu.edu/west-valley-camps
Students may apply directly at this link: https://na.eventscloud.com/campsatwest26
Scholarship
We are excited to share this year’s Sonoran Arts League scholarship application for graduating seniors. The application is also available on the Sonoran Arts League website under the Studio tab, then select Youth Art.
This year, the Art League has $6,000 to award to graduating seniors, recent high school graduates, and college-aged students who plan to enroll in higher education, continue their artistic studies, and pursue an art-related career. The application deadline is April 10.
Please help share this opportunity with eligible students.
CSHS Website
Attached is a link for the CSHS website, where you can easily find answers to frequently asked questions, stay up to date on upcoming events, and access information about sports and testing.
For a full schedule of all upcoming sporting events click the link below.
CSHS Sports Calendar
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 3/20/26
A Message From the Acting Principal
Happy Friday Cactus Shadows families!
Another busy week for the Falcons. Seniors had their meeting with all of the upcoming important dates along with other significant information. Senior parents, as a reminder, I will send weekly updates regarding graduation and other events for our seniors as we know there is so much to keep track of!
Your students may have communicated to you that we are enforcing student dress, IDs, and cell phones on campus Q4. I am communicating this to you as well so you are well aware of what we expect. These 3 areas can all be found in the 2025-2026 student handbook for your reference. I have asked the staff for consistency and when we aren’t consistent as a staff, it makes it harder for everyone and confusing to our students. Moreover, students do not take our policies seriously when we aren’t on the same page. In summary, we expect our students to wear appropriate attire to school, we will not allow cell phone usage during instructional time, and all students on campus will have an ID that is visible at all times. As I shared with staff, this is about attention, learning, discipline, and being able to focus on preparation for their future. These are our rules and we are going to follow them. Please reiterate this with your child at home. This is truly appreciated.
Our PTO is continuing with their direct donation. This money is used to support both students and staff. If you would be so willing and kind to make just a small donation, that would be greatly appreciated! Since my last update, we have only raised $100. We have about $5K to go. Thanks in advance.
Testing season is upon us. Our teachers are actively preparing students for the upcoming assessments by reinforcing key skills, reviewing content, and building confidence in test-taking strategies. Your support at home is huge during this time of the year. Please continue to encourage consistent study habits, ensuring adequate rest, and providing a quiet space for learning. This will play a vital role in your child’s success. Thank you, as always, for partnering with us to support strong academic outcomes.
Last, as a staff, we have challenged ourselves to start sending a few positive notes home a week to families whose child is doing great things on campus. Be looking forward to a phone call or email home from someone on campus. There are just too many great things going on at CSHS for you to not be hearing about them, especially when it has to do with your own child!
Have a tremendous weekend. Thank you for your support of CSHS!
Together,
Jill Sarraino
Jill Sarraino
Director of Student Services/ Acting Principal- Cactus Shadows High School
Falcon Plan:
- April Break: April 2nd & 3rd
Testing
Save the Dates!
April 7th will be a Testing / Asynchronous Learning Day
Freshmen & Juniors: Report to school for testing
Sophomores & Seniors: Work online from home
Juniors will take the ACT and freshmen will take the ASPIRE. The ACT will end before the school day is over. If you would like your driver released after testing please fill out this form. ACT Early Dismissal Phone calls will NOT be taken that day. The only way for your junior to be released is to fill out this form before noon on April 6th or physically come in the office to pick them up. The ASPIRE testing for freshmen will go until the bell rings at 2:10. No early dismissals will be allowed for freshmen.
March 31st is a testing day for juniors only. They will be taking AZSCI in the morning. Normal classes will resume after testing. This is a “Attendance Special Event Day”. Students will only be released with a physical parent sign-out in the main office.
Parking
- Rising Seniors: Sales begin April 6th. Students should check their school emails for the link, and parents will receive reminders via Parent Square.
- Rising Juniors: Sales begin in May.
- Rising Sophomores: Sales begin in July when the office opens.
Key points to remember:
- All-Digital: There is no paperwork this year; everything is handled digitally.
- Email Requirement: All documentation must be submitted through the student’s CCUSD email account.
Parking spaces: No assigned spots. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Student Services
Families, please take a moment to check your students’ grades, as we are about halfway through the semester. There is still time for students to improve any low grades before the end of the semester. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your student’s teacher—they will be happy to help and provide support.
ASU West Valley Campus will be hosting the following institutes for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors this June (24 students per institute). Applications will be closing on Monday, April 13, 2026 or sooner if all spots are filled.
Future Lawyers Institute: June 1-5
Forensic Science Institute: June 1-5
Future Lawyers Institute: June 8-12
Future Doctors Institute: June 8-12
Please feel empowered to share this information with all applicable students and families. More information regarding our Summer programs can be found here: https://newcollege.asu.edu/west-valley-camps
Students may apply directly at this link: https://na.eventscloud.com/campsatwest26
Scholarship
We are excited to share this year’s Sonoran Arts League scholarship application for graduating seniors. The application is also available on the Sonoran Arts League website under the Studio tab, then select Youth Art.
This year, the Art League has $6,000 to award to graduating seniors, recent high school graduates, and college-aged students who plan to enroll in higher education, continue their artistic studies, and pursue an art-related career. The application deadline is April 10.
Please help share this opportunity with eligible students.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- March 20th - Senior Posters are due - You may drop them off at any time to the Front Office
- April 4th - DEADLINE all pictures for the prom slideshow must be turned in. NO EXCEPTIONS (please send them to cshspics@ccusd93.org)
- April 9th - Cap and Gown pick-up in the lecture hall from 11:30am-12:30pm. ALL outstanding debts must be paid to the bookstore (Students will NOT be able to pick up their cap & gown or prom tickets until they are debt free)
CSHS Website
Attached is a link for the CSHS website, where you can easily find answers to frequently asked questions, stay up to date on upcoming events, and access information about sports and testing.
For a full schedule of all upcoming sporting events click the link below.
CSHS Sports Calendar
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 3/6/26
A Message From the Acting Principal
Happy Friday Cactus Shadows families!
Spring Break is here! We hope that this next week is nothing short of being fantastic. We hope that you can take time next week to truly enjoy your high school child. These four years go by so quickly that now is the time to create those memories! Quarter 4 is incredibly busy so make sure you are reading the Falcon Flash thoroughly, along with any other communication from CSHS. Senior parents- I will be sending you additional messages in Parent Square just to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding any upcoming graduation events leading up to graduation, which is Thursday, May 21st. Please be on the lookout.
You all should have seen that our PTO has started a direct donation. This direct donation will support students in need, elevate our graduation event, and bring joy to our incredible CSHS staff with meals, gifts and treats. Teacher appreciation week is right around the corner, so any contribution is greatly appreciated. We are currently at $4,500 of our $10,000 goal!
Have I mentioned how proud I am of what our students did in just one week at CSHS? You may know if you are following us on social media, but here is a quick recap:
CSHS Shadowbox Players: Hadestown Teen Edition was fabulous! I had no idea how talented our students were! Obviously, they are Falcons so it can be assumed, but seeing them in action was unbelievable. The performance was out of this world. Congrats to Ms. Blanco and her students. Get their autographs now as they are going somewhere in their acting careers.
Athletics: We are so proud of how successful our winter sports teams were in their seasons. We have now officially kicked off our spring season. Be sure to pay attention to the many great athletic events happening around CCUSD these next couple of months.
Academics: In our classrooms, teachers are doing a great amount of work prepping for the upcoming testing time period. Please be sure to review the assessment section of the Falcon Flash to ensure you are aware of what is up and coming. After spring break, we will communicate specifics as there will be important information on specific testing days.
Parents, we couldn’t do this without you. We value your partnership in the work that we are doing in our classrooms and at CSHS! Your positive messaging at home is sincerely appreciated and your support of the hard work happening on campus is felt.
Have a great week off. We look forward to seeing our students on Monday, March 16th no later than 7:10am.
Together,
Jill Sarraino
Jill Sarraino
Director of Student Services/ Acting Principal- Cactus Shadows High School
Falcon Plan:
- March 9th - 13th - Spring Break
Testing
Save the Dates!
April 7th will be a Testing / Asynchronous Learning Day
Freshmen & Juniors: Report to school for testing
Sophomores & Seniors: Work online from home
Juniors will take the ACT and freshmen will take the ASPIRE. The ACT will end before the school day is over. If you would like your driver released after testing please fill out this form. ACT Early Dismissal Phone calls will NOT be taken that day. The only way for your junior to be released is to fill out this form before noon on April 6th or physically come in the office to pick them up. The ASPIRE testing for freshmen will go until the bell rings at 2:10. No early dismissals will be allowed for freshmen.
March 31st is a testing day for juniors only. They will be taking AZSCI in the morning. Normal classes will resume after testing. This is a “Attendance Special Event Day”. Students will only be released with a physical parent sign-out in the main office.
Parking
- Rising Seniors: Sales begin April 6th. Students should check their school emails for the link, and parents will receive reminders via Parent Square.
- Rising Juniors: Sales begin in May.
- Rising Sophomores: Sales begin in July when the office opens.
Key points to remember:
- All-Digital: There is no paperwork this year; everything is handled digitally.
- Email Requirement: All documentation must be submitted through the student’s CCUSD email account.
Parking spaces: No assigned spots. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Student Services
Families, please take a moment to check your students’ grades, as we are about halfway through the semester. There is still time for students to improve any low grades before the end of the semester. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your student’s teacher—they will be happy to help and provide support.
ASU West Valley Campus will be hosting the following institutes for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors this June (24 students per institute). Applications will be closing on Monday, April 13, 2026 or sooner if all spots are filled.
Future Lawyers Institute: June 1-5
Forensic Science Institute: June 1-5
Future Lawyers Institute: June 8-12
Future Doctors Institute: June 8-12
Please feel empowered to share this information with all applicable students and families. More information regarding our Summer programs can be found here: https://newcollege.asu.edu/west-valley-camps
Students may apply directly at this link: https://na.eventscloud.com/campsatwest26
Scholarship
We are excited to share this year’s Sonoran Arts League scholarship application for graduating seniors. The application is also available on the Sonoran Arts League website under the Studio tab, then select Youth Art.
This year, the Art League has $6,000 to award to graduating seniors, recent high school graduates, and college-aged students who plan to enroll in higher education, continue their artistic studies, and pursue an art-related career. The application deadline is April 10.
Please help share this opportunity with eligible students.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- March 9th - 13th - Spring Break
- March 18th - Mandatory Senior meeting - Graduation information (Periods 1-5 Econ/Gov or 1st hour)
- March 20th - Senior Posters are due. You may drop them off in the front office.
Falcons Athletics
Falcon game schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
Winter Sports has come to an end. The season was filled with so much success!
Boys Basketball:
Coach Washut led our Falcons to the Final 4 in the (4-A) AIA State Basketball Tournament. This is the very first time in school history that the team advanced to a Final 4! Our Falcons lost at Deer Valley by 8 points on Monday evening (March 2). Thank you to our students, cheer team, dance team and fans for creating a “home-like environment” on the road!
Girls Basketball:
Our Lady Falcons advanced to the Elite 8 in the (4-A) AIA State Basketball Tournament. Our team traveled on Saturday, February 28th to Tucson to play Salpointe Catholic and fell in an incredibly competitive game. Congratulations to Coach Santelli and his staff for a fantastic season. The program doubled in size and brought back a Frosh/Soph team this year. It was a tremendous year of growth for our team!
Baseball:
Our Falcons Baseball team, under the direction of Josh Ellison, has started out the season well! They took on 5-A and 6-A opponents last week and went 2-2 with wins over Catalina Foothills and Lake Havasu. This week our Falcons improved to 5-2 overall defeating:
Thunderbird High School: 10-0
Coconino High School: 12-2
JO Combs High School: 17-1
Beach Volleyball:
Our Beach Volleyball team played their second match of the season on Wednesday, hosting Horizon High School. Last week, the team hosted Scottsdale Christian and played very well under the direction of Coach, Stephen Courtney.
Softball:
On Tuesday evening, our girls traveled to Thunderbird High School. The team is battling injuries and illness but battled hard for a 12-6 win! The team then played Thursday at JO Combs High School and unfortunately fell short in a loss, 14-8. The team will be active during the break as they participate in the, “I Love this Day,” Tournament at Willow Canyon High School. Good luck Lady Falcons!
Boys Tennis:
Our Falcons had two matches this week. On Wednesday, we hosted Sierra Linda High School and won 9-0. On Thursday, we took-on Eastmark High School and fell short 3-6. The team is currently competing (Friday-Saturday) in the North Phoenix Kiwanis High School Tennis Invitational at Ironwood High School. Good luck Falcons and Coach Jesse Gomez!
Girls Tennis:
Our Lady Falcons are off to an amazing start to the season under Coach Mike Kirby! This week they defeated both Sierra Linda High School (9-0) and Eastmark High School (9-0). The team is currently competing (Friday-Saturday) in the North Phoenix Kiwanis High School Tennis Invitational at Ironwood High School. Good luck Lady Falcons.
Boys Volleyball:
Our Volleyball team played their first game of the season on Tuesday evening. We hosted Lee Williams High School from Kingman. It was quick work, as our Falcons won the first three games to take the match! Congratulations Falcons on a great start under your Head Coach, Shawn Covely.
Track & Field:
Last week, our track team competed at Boulder Creek. The girls took 4th place out of 18 overall. The Boys were 12th out of 17 schools. Today our Falcons are at the Banner Sports Medicine Invitational at Pinnacle High School. Run fast, jump high and jump far Falcons!
CSHS Website
Attached is a link for the CSHS website, where you can easily find answers to frequently asked questions, stay up to date on upcoming events, and access information about sports and testing.
For a full schedule of all upcoming sporting events click the link below.
CSHS Sports Calendar
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 2/20/26
A Message From the Acting Principal
Happy Friday to our Cactus Shadows families!
As a reminder, our next PTO meeting will be held at CSHS on Wednesday, March 4th. We invite as many of you to this meeting as possible. As I communicated last week, we are looking to nominate a new board as many of our current board members will have seniors next year. The year is planned out already, so it should not be too much to ask of anyone. Ask a friend and come together. The meeting will begin promptly at 4:00. I appreciate your consideration in giving back to our high school and serving on our PTO.
Our classrooms continue to be places of strong engagement, with students making positive choices that support a productive learning environment. The concentration that administration has observed in these classrooms, from teaching focused on delivering effective and high quality instruction to students owning their learning, is something truly to celebrate. Be sure to ask your child what they are learning in their classrooms.
You can find highlights of our academic achievements, along with many other celebrations and positive updates, on our social media pages. If you’re not already following us, we encourage you to do so to stay connected to the exciting experiences of high school life. We regularly share classroom moments, athletic accomplishments, and group and individual recognitions, far more than we can capture here. Help us share the great things happening at Cactus Shadows High School!
As always, please reach out should you have any questions, concerns, or just something great to share about CSHS!
Have a tremendous weekend, Falcons!
Together,
Jill Sarraino
Jill Sarraino
Director of Student Services/ Acting Principal- Cactus Shadows High School
Falcon Plan:
- March 5th - College and Career Fair
- March 6th - Quarter 3 ends
- March 9th - 13th Spring Break
Testing
Save the Dates!
April 7th will be a Testing / Asynchronous Learning Day.
- Freshmen & Juniors: Report to school for testing
- Sophomores & Seniors: Work online from home
Juniors will take the ACT and freshmen will take the ASPIRE.
March 24th is a testing day for juniors only. They will be taking AZSCI in the morning. Normal classes will resume after testing. This is a “Attendance Special Event Day”. Students will only be released with a physical parent sign-out in the main office.
Student Services
We will be hosting a College and Career Fair on March 6th. We will have colleges as well as local businesses here to speak with our students about future opportunities, admission questions, and financing college. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about their options after graduation and connect directly with representatives who can help guide their next steps.
Families, please take a moment to check your students’ grades, as we are about halfway through the semester. There is still time for students to improve any low grades before the end of the semester. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your student’s teacher—they will be happy to help and provide support.
Scholarship
We are excited to share this year’s Sonoran Arts League scholarship application for graduating seniors. The application is also available on the Sonoran Arts League website under the Studio tab, then select Youth Art.
This year, the Art League has $6,000 to award to graduating seniors, recent high school graduates, and college-aged students who plan to enroll in higher education, continue their artistic studies, and pursue an art-related career. The application deadline is April 10.
Please help share this opportunity with eligible students.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- March 5th - College and Career Fair
- March 6th - Quarter 3 ends
- March 9th - 13th Spring Break
- March 18th - Mandatory senior meeting - Graduation information (Periods 1-5 Econ/Gov or 1st hour)
Falcons Athletics
Game schedules for all teams can be found on the Cactus Shadows Athletic Calendar.
Falcon game schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
All athletes must complete Register My Athlete to participate in tryouts.
Please also ensure you have a current 2025–2026 physical on file before tryouts begin.
Register My Athlete: https://www.registermyathlete.
AIA 2025–2026 Physical Packet: https://aiaonline.org/files/
Winter Athletics Update — Falcon Pride!
What an outstanding winter season it has been for Cactus Shadows Athletics! Our student-athletes competed with heart, grit, and pride across all programs, and we couldn’t be more proud of their efforts.
Boys Soccer wrapped up their season in the AIA 4A play-in round at Coconino High School, finishing with a solid 6–7 overall record.
Girls Soccer had a fantastic postseason run, competing in the AIA 4A playoffs and closing the year with an impressive 10–5–1 record. Outstanding season, Lady Falcons!
Wrestling continues to shine! We are sending 11 wrestlers (2 Lady Falcons and 9 boys) to the AIA State Tournament after capturing 2nd Place at AIA Sectionals hosted by Agua Fria High School. Best of luck at State!
Boys Basketball battled to the final seconds on the road at Chandler High School in the AIA Open Tournament. The Falcons now shift into the AIA 4A bracket and will HOST a playoff game
Wednesday, February 25th
7:00 PM
Girls Basketball faced elite competition at Perry High School in the Open Tournament. The Lady Falcons now move into the AIA 4A bracket and will HOST a playoff game
Thursday, February 26th
7:00 PM
Thank you to our students, families, and community for your incredible support all winter long.
Let’s pack the gym next week and cheer on our Falcons as playoff basketball tips off at home!
#FalconPride #Win
CSHS Website
Attached is a link for the CSHS website, where you can easily find answers to frequently asked questions, stay up to date on upcoming events, and access information about sports and testing.
For a full schedule of all upcoming sporting events click the link below.
CSHS Sports Calendar
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 2/6/26
A Message From the Acting Principal
Good afternoon Falcon Families!
Another great week at Cactus Shadows! So many positives to highlight. Speaking of which, if you are not following us on social media, please do so. On our main facebook page, we will highlight academics, clubs, and other positive “happenings” around campus. Additionally, we have our athletic facebook page in which we highlight our amazing athletes. Please use the following links to follow/like these pages.
Cactus Shadows Main Facebook Page
Cactus Shadows Main Athletic Page
Next week, we will kick off our student of the week and employee of the week recognitions. Thank you to our PTO who is helping us recognize our students and staff who simply stated, continue to do the right thing and make our CSHS community a better place to be for everyone. Staff will receive coffee gift cards and students will receive a coffee gift card OR a food gift card. It is so much fun to be able to recognize people and we could not do this without our PTO and all of your kind donations. Staff will be nominating students and we are asking parents to nominate anyone from our staff. This is super quick to complete the form. THANK YOU in advance!
As mentioned last week, our entire staff is committed to helping every CSHS Falcon succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Your support at home truly makes a difference and we value the partnership between our families and our school community. We will continue to work together to ensure your child reaches their full potential while attending CSHS. We continue to ask that students come to school prepared, attend class regularly, meet deadlines, and make choices that support their academic success. Please reiterate this at home.
Be sure to read through the entire Falcon Flash. If you have any questions about what is going on around campus or need assistance/guidance, please let us know so we can help you find the person who can best support you! Have a tremendous weekend.
Together,
Jill Sarraino
Jill Sarraino
Director of Student Services/ Acting Principal- Cactus Shadows High School
Falcon Plan:
- February 16th - President's Day (No School)
- March 5th - College and Career Fair
- March 6th - Quarter 3 ends
- March 9th - 13th Spring Break
Falcons Celebrate
We’re excited to announce our Athletes of the Month — Myles Godfrey and Maddie Shultz! These two student-athletes have demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and performance.
Myles Godfrey - Basketball
Nominated by Coach Washut
"Myles scored career high 32pts in a big comeback over top 10 Saguaro team and leads the team in points per game."
Maddie Shultz - Basketball
Nominated by Coach Santelli
"I’m proud to nominate Maddison Shultz as our Athlete of the Month! She is an exceptional leader both on and off the basketball court, bringing positive energy everywhere she goes on campus. I am thankful to be able to coach a kid like her. There is never a dull moment with Maddie; she brightens up the gym everyday. It stinks that I get to coach her for only a year but the impact she is leaving not only on me but for these young ladies coming up through the program is truly exceptional. She represents what it means to be a Cactus Shadows Falcon.
With an outstanding 4.4 GPA and a #15 ranking in 4A for assists, her success speaks for itself. She is only a couple points shy from scoring 1000 points but what makes her special is her character. She is always rooting for her teammates and others to succeed, showing selflessness, leadership, and heart in everything she does. A true example of excellence, teamwork, and Falcon pride! Falc-Yeah!"
Congratulations, Myles and Maddie! Thank you for representing Cactus Shadows with pride, passion, and excellence.
Go Falcons!
Testing
ASVAB Testing for Juniors – February 10th
Juniors will have the opportunity to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) on Tuesday, February 10th. Students with the last name of A-L will report to the gray gym. M-Z will report to the cafeteria when they arrive on campus. Attendance will be taken at 7:15am. This is a “Attendance Special Event Day”. Students will only be released with a physical parent sign-out in the main office.
Civics Make Up - February 19th
Civics is a mandatory requirement for graduation in Arizona. On February 19th, we will hold a make-up testing day dedicated to juniors and seniors who have not yet met this requirement. Notifications have already been emailed to the specific students and parents/guardians involved in this testing session. For any questions or concerns, please email Mr. Morgan and Ms. Pine.
Save the Dates!
April 7th will be a Testing / Asynchronous Learning Day.
- Freshmen & Juniors: Report to school for testing
- Sophomores & Seniors: Work online from home
Juniors will take the ACT and freshmen will take the ASPIRE.
March 24th is a testing day for juniors only. They will be taking AZSCI in the morning. Normal classes will resume after testing. This is a “Attendance Special Event Day”. Students will only be released with a physical parent sign-out in the main office.
Student Services
Join Us! College & Career Fair – Shaping Our Students' Futures
Dear Parents, Families, and Community Partners,
We are thrilled to announce that Cactus Shadows will be hosting our College and Career Fair on March 6th! Our goal is to provide students with a roadmap for their future, and we need your help to make it happen. We are looking for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to join our lineup of colleges and universities to share insights with our students.
We are looking for partners who can share:
-
What your business does and its impact on the community.
-
Current hiring opportunities or future internship possibilities.
-
The skills and educational requirements needed to join your field.
Event Details:
-
Date: March 6th
-
Location: Cactus Shadows Quad
-
Time:8:00-11:00
How to Register: Ready to inspire the next generation? Please scan the QR code below to register your business or organization.
Make-Up Work Policy
Reminder: As we approach the end of the first quarter, please remember that when a student is absent, they have two (2) days to make up any missed work or tests.
-
On the day of the absence, a zero will be entered in the gradebook so the student can see exactly where they stand.
-
That zero will remain until the work or test is completed within the two-day window.
-
This policy applies to all absences, including illness, family issues, sports, clubs, or any other school-related events.
Thank you for helping reinforce this expectation with your students.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- February 16th - President's Day (No School)
- March 5th - College and Career Fair
- March 6th - Quarter 3 ends
- March 9th - 13th Spring Break
- March 18th - Mandatory senior meeting - Graduation information (Periods 1-5 Econ/Gov or 1st hour)
Falcons Athletics
Winter Sports Are Underway! Come fill the bleachers and support your Falcons all season long!
Game schedules for all teams can be found on the Cactus Shadows Athletic Calendar.
Falcon game schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
All athletes must complete Register My Athlete to participate in tryouts.
Please also ensure you have a current 2025–2026 physical on file before tryouts begin.
Register My Athlete: https://www.registermyathlete.
AIA 2025–2026 Physical Packet: https://aiaonline.org/files/
2026 CSHS Track & Field
The Spring Sports Season is one week away and we are calling ALL FALCONS to come out and be part of the 2026 season Falcon Track & Field Team.
- Grades 9 - 12
- No Experience Necessary
- Season Starts on 2/09/26 - 3:00 PM
- Come out and
- Run - Sprint, Relays, Hurdles, Distance
- Jump - Pole Vault, High, Long and Triple Jumps
- Throw - Javelin, Discuss and Shot Put
- Register through Register My Athlete
It is going to be a great season! Come be part of the journey to the TOP. Contact Coach Powell with any questions at jpowell@ccusd93.net
Time to FLY!
📣 Spring Sports Tryouts Begin Monday, Feb. 9th! 🦅
✅ ALL athletes must be cleared BEFORE tryouts
🔗 Register My Athlete (Aktivate):
https://www.registermyathlete.com/
📄 AIA 2025–2026 Physical Form (required):
https://aiaonline.org/files/16936/forms-157-a-d.pdf
🏟 TRYOUTS / PRACTICES
🥎 Softball (Tryouts)
Feb 10–12 | ⏰ 5:00–8:00 PM | 📍 Softball Field
⚾ Baseball (Tryouts)
Week of Feb 9 | ⏰ 2:45–5:30 PM
🏐 Boys Volleyball (Tryouts)
Feb 9–11 | ⏰ 7:00–8:30 PM | 📍 Grey Gym
🏃 Track & Field (No Tryouts)
Mon–Thu: 3:00–5:00 PM
Fri: 1:45–3:45 PM | 📍 CSHS Track
🎾 Tennis (No Tryouts)
Mon - Wed: 2:30–4:30 PM
Thu: 4:00–6:00 PM
Fri: 1:00–3:00 PM (no Fridays once season begins)
🏐 Girls Beach Volleyball
Tryouts: Feb 9 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Season: Begins Feb 10 | Mon–Fri | 5:00–6:00 PM
at Highlands Church (rear parking lot courts): 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale
💳 Athletic Fee: $335
📅 Due Monday, Feb. 16th
⚠️ Athletes may not participate until fees are paid.
🦅 Go Falcons!
HonorHealth Teen Program
Know a teen curious about a healthcare career and looking for a meaningful way to spend their summer? Encourage them to explore the Summer Teen Volunteer Program. HonorHealth's teen programs give high school students a chance to engage with their community while getting an inside look at the healthcare world. The Summer Teen Volunteer Program is open to Arizona students who will be a junior or senior in high school during the 2026–27 school year. Current seniors should not apply. Students must have completed 10th grade and be at last 15 years old at the start of the program. Visit their website to learn more and apply by February 25th!
CSHS Website
Attached is a link for the CSHS website, where you can easily find answers to frequently asked questions, stay up to date on upcoming events, and access information about sports and testing.
For a full schedule of all upcoming sporting events click the link below.
CSHS Sports Calendar
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 1/23/26
A Message From the Principal
A Message From the Principal: Staying Focused and Flying High
Falcon Families,
It has been an absolutely amazing first month back at Cactus Shadows! There is a certain magic that returns to our halls when the students are back on campus, and the energy this January has been truly unmatched. I have been so impressed by the focus I’m seeing in the classrooms. Our Falcons have hit the ground running for this final 15 week push, and that momentum is what will carry us to a successful finish.
Our community spirit has been on full display lately. We recently had the pleasure of attending the Dance program’s preview, and seeing those hardworking students showcase their talent was a highlight of the month. Their dedication is inspiring, and I know their final performance tonight, January 23rd, will be nothing short of spectacular! We also recently hosted the "Future is Female" Girls Basketball camp. Seeing the incredible talent within CCUSD was a great reminder that the future of Falcon athletics is bright. As we turn our calendars to February, we have a lot of heart and hard work ahead of us. This month is packed with opportunities for our students to shine:
Career & Academic Milestones: We will be facilitating the ASVAB on February 10th to help our students explore their future paths, followed by our Civics make-up testing on February 19th to ensure our Sophomores through Seniors stay on track for graduation.
The Arts & Athletics: Our Drama students are deep in rehearsals for the spring musical, Hadestown, and our Spring Sports are officially gearing up to take the field. We also want to celebrate our Winter Sport Seniors! On January 21st, our Wrestling team dominated the mat after an incredible entrance through the Falcon. Please join us as we continue to honor our Seniors during their upcoming Senior Nights. Soccer: Boys on 1/26 and Girls on 2/4. Basketball: Boys on 2/10 and Girls on 2/12.
Yearbooks: Please remember that yearbooks must be purchased by January 31st to guarantee your student has a permanent record of the memories made during this incredible year.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is a perfect time to reflect on the appreciation we have for one another. In the spirit of "It Takes a Village," I encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge a teacher, a classmate, or a neighbor who has made a difference in your student's journey. A small word of kindness goes a long way in keeping our campus the supportive home we all love. Thank you for your continued partnership and for trusting us with your students every day. We are all working together toward one goal: providing the best experience possible and setting every Falcon up for success in their future endeavors.
We ARE Falcons!
Mrs. Barela
Sarah Barela
Principal, Cactus Shadows High School
Falcon Plan:
- January 24th - Run the District @ CSHS
- February 4th - CSHS Spring Signing Day
- February 16th - President's Day (No School)
Falcons Celebrate
Congratulations to Cactus Shadows High School, which has been named to the 2024–25 AP School Honor Roll! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose Advanced Placement programs are delivering strong results while also broadening student participation.
Schools earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to building a strong college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, counselors, and administrators.
For internal clarity and understanding, below is a breakdown of the three Honor Roll categories (also reflected in the image below):
-
College Culture: Percentage of students in the graduating class who took at least one AP exam at any point in high school (only one exam per student is counted to avoid unnecessary pressure).
CSHS: 58% -
College Credit: Percentage of students in the graduating class who scored a 3 or higher on any AP exam in high school.
CSHS: 37% -
College Optimization: Percentage of students in the graduating class who took five or more AP exams in high school, with at least one exam taken in 9th or 10th grade.
CSHS: 13%
Thank you to everyone who continues to support academic rigor and college readiness at CSHS. This recognition highlights the collective effort and commitment of our school community.
🏀 Falcon Boys Basketball 🏀
Big-time win at Suns Arena by 15 points!
The Falcons now sit ranked #3 in the state 🔥
Next up: Huge home matchup vs. Arcadia next Tuesday — let’s pack the house!
Attendance Update – Thank You, Families!
We are excited to share some great news regarding student attendance! From 1st semester of 2024 to 1st semester of 2025, overall student absences decreased by 30%, and 1st hour tardies were reduced by an impressive 50%.
Thank you to our parents and families for your support and partnership as we implemented new attendance policies. Your help in ensuring students are in class, on time, and ready to learn is making a meaningful difference. Together, we are setting our students up for success!
ASVAB Testing for Juniors – February 10th
Juniors will have the opportunity to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) on Monday, February 10th. The ASVAB is a valuable career exploration tool that helps students identify strengths and explore potential career paths—including military and civilian options. Testing will take place during the school day. More details regarding time and location will be shared with students prior to the test date.
Civics Make Up - February 19th
Civics is a mandatory requirement for graduation in Arizona. On February 19th, we will hold a make-up testing day dedicated to juniors and seniors who have not yet met this requirement. Notifications have already been emailed to the specific students and parents/guardians involved in this testing session. For any questions or concerns, please email Mr. Morgan and Ms. Pine.
Deadline for Kiwanis Scholarship Application Submission
Think you might not measure up? Don't sell yourself short. Here are some tips for seizing this valuable opportunity and making the most of your application submission: You are more than your grades. While academics are important (a minimum 2.5 GPA is
required), the Kiwanis Scholarship committee considers factors such as community involvement, extracurricular activities, leadership, need, and even the challenges you’ve overcome. Highlight your unique strengths and experiences. Start now. Procrastination is the enemy of a well-prepared scholarship application. Begin now while there’s still time to gather information, answer short essay questions, and meet
the final deadline of Mach 1. Seek guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to teachers, mentors, or guidance counselors for advice and feedback. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your application. Be genuine in your short essays. This is your chance to let your personality shine and show what sets you apart from other applicants. Be authentic. Proofread. Since attention to detail shows commitment and professionalism, be sure your application is free of spelling and grammar errors. Already started your application? If you started your application and saved your progress, you received a link at the email you provided to access your saved application and resume where you left off. If you can’t find the link in your inbox, check your junk/spam folder. Please note that the link expires 30 days from the date you last saved your progress. Once it expires, you’ll have to start the application from the beginning. Again, diligence counts.
Don’t delay! Visit kiwanisscholarship.org today to register and complete your application by March 1. Have any questions or need further assistance? You can email us at support@kiwanisscholarship.org, or call 480-597-9731.
Make-Up Work Policy
Reminder: As we approach the end of the first quarter, please remember that when a student is absent, they have two (2) days to make up any missed work or tests.
-
On the day of the absence, a zero will be entered in the gradebook so the student can see exactly where they stand.
-
That zero will remain until the work or test is completed within the two-day window.
-
This policy applies to all absences, including illness, family issues, sports, clubs, or any other school-related events.
Thank you for helping reinforce this expectation with your students.
Purchase our yearbook
Hello CSHS Parents,
The 2025–2026 CSHS Yearbook must be purchased by January 31 to be guaranteed delivery in May.
Any yearbooks purchased after January 31 will be subject to availability, and we cannot guarantee that additional copies will be available.
Please click the link below to purchase a yearbook and ensure your student receives one.
Thank you for your continued support.
Click here to buy your yearbook
Sincerely,
CSHS Yearbook Staff
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- January 31st - Senior ad deadline - NO EXCEPTIONS
Falcons Athletics
Winter Sports Are Underway! Come fill the bleachers and support your Falcons all season long!
Track & Field
What: 2026 Track & Field Informational Meeting (Parents/Athletes)
When: Thursday January 29th 6:00 - 7:15/7:30 pm
Where: CSHS Main Office Building, Lecture Hall Room 140
Why: Come meet the Coaching staff for the 2026 season. Learn about the coming season schedule, practices, expectations and have your questions answered.
The 2026 season starts on 2/9/26. Make sure you get registered through Register My Athlete and have a valid 2025/26 AIA Physical Form completed and uploaded. Both must be completed in order to attend official practices.
Game schedules for all teams can be found on the Cactus Shadows Athletic Calendar.
Falcon game schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
All athletes must complete Register My Athlete to participate in tryouts.
Please also ensure you have a current 2025–2026 physical on file before tryouts begin.
Register My Athlete: https://www.registermyathlete.
AIA 2025–2026 Physical Packet: https://aiaonline.org/files/
CSHS Website
Attached is a link for the CSHS website, where you can easily find answers to frequently asked questions, stay up to date on upcoming events, and access information about sports and testing.
For a full schedule of all upcoming sporting events click the link below.
CSHS Sports Calendar
Falcon Flash 1/9/26
A Message From the Principal
Welcome Back, Falcons: The Final 18-Week Push!
Happy New Year! It has been wonderful to see our campus buzzing with energy again. As we kick off the second half of the school year, it’s hard to believe there are only 18 weeks of school left. With the lessons learned in Semester 1 fresh in our minds, now is the time to apply that experience and start strong from the very beginning.
Academic Excellence: The Path to Success
What happens in the classroom every day matters. We want to encourage all students to strive for excellence by focusing on three key areas:
-
Practice for the Finish Line: Think of homework as the essential practice needed for success on tests and final exams. Consistent effort now makes the end of the semester much smoother.
-
Use Tools Wisely: We live in an era of incredible technology. We encourage students to use tools like AI appropriately—as a supplement to learning and a way to deepen understanding, not as a replacement for critical thinking.
-
Proactive Support: Don't wait until finals week to ask for help! Our teachers' Office Hours are a vital resource. We encourage students to utilize this time early in the semester to stay ahead of the curve.
Grade Level Milestones
Every Falcon is at a different stage of their journey, and we are proud of the progress across the board:
-
Freshmen: You are now in full stride! You’ve mastered the transition to high school; now is the time to refine your habits and excel.
-
Sophomores: You are quickly approaching a major milestone as you look forward to becoming upperclassmen. The leadership and academic habits you build now will set the stage for your final two years.
-
Juniors (Class of 2027): You are officially preparing to be THE seniors on campus. This is a year of big decisions and preparation to take the lead next fall.
-
Seniors: The "countdown" has officially begun. While the finish line is in sight, we need you to remain focused and finish your high school career with the pride and excellence we know you possess.
Planning Your Future
Students are currently working on course requests for the next school year. This is a perfect opportunity for you to sit down with your student to review last semester, talk about their goals, and help them navigate the best path to get there.
Falcon Athletics
Our Winter Sports are in the middle of their seasons and are doing Falcon awesome! We are so proud of our student-athletes. Keep an eye out for information regarding Spring Sports tryouts and schedules, which will be shared soon.
It Takes a Village
2026 is off to a great start at Cactus Shadows. As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership. We are all working toward one goal: providing the best experience and opportunity for student success.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
We Are Falcons!
Mrs. Barela
Falcon Plan:
- January 19th - MLK Day (No School)
Falcons Celebrate
Austin Kautzman has been named a 2026 Flinn Scholarship Semifinalist, an honor recognizing Arizona’s most exceptional high school seniors for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service. Selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 1,150 applicants statewide, Austin is among just 79 students representing the diversity, talent, and promise of Arizona’s communities. Semifinalists will advance to virtual interviews in January, with finalists announced in March and the Flinn Scholars Class of 2026 revealed in April. Now in its 41st year, the Flinn Scholarship is one of Arizona’s most prestigious undergraduate awards, valued at over $135,000 and offering opportunities for mentorship, international study, and academic enrichment at ASU, NAU, or the University of Arizona. Congratulations to Austin on this outstanding achievement—we are incredibly proud of you and look forward to what lies ahead! 🎉🎓
For Attendance/Testing
Dear Falcon Families,
As we move through the school year, we want to share some important reminders regarding our attendance and campus procedures. These guidelines are designed to be fair, consistent, and supportive of both student success and state compliance. Our goal is to ensure a safe, accountable, and focused learning environment for every student. Our policies align with the Arizona Revised Statute and Arizona Department of Education guidance. To maintain accurate records subject to state audit, absences,whether for a full day or a partial day, must fall into state recognized categories (such as illness, medical appointments, bereavement, or family emergencies).
Absences
-
Full-Day Absences: These are excused if a parent notifies the attendance office within 24 hours for a qualifying reason.
-
Partial-Day Absences: If a student arrives late or misses a partial amount of classes, the absence is only coded as "excused" if it falls under the state categories and is supported by the required documentation within 24 hours.
Tardy Procedures
-
Sign-In Requirement: Parents may no longer call in to excuse a tardy. In order for a tardy to be excused, a parent or guardian must physically sign their student in at the front office.
-
Medical Exception: The only exception to the physical sign-in is if a student provides a doctor’s note immediately upon arrival. Please note that we do not require the specific reason for an appointment—only verification from the healthcare professional that the student was seen and is cleared to return to school.
-
First Hour Arrival: An unexcused tardy upon arrival results in an automatic lunch detention on the same day to encourage a prompt start to the morning.
Safe Campus & Special Event Days
Cactus Shadows is a closed campus. To ensure student safety and a smooth transition during high volume times please read the following:
-
Standard Checkout: Students must check out through the attendance office via Kid Account. Student drivers should have a parent call at least two hours in advance to facilitate their release.
-
30-Minute Buffer: To ensure an orderly dismissal for the entire campus, students will not be released during the final 30 minutes of the school day.
-
Special Events & Testing: During pep rallies, special events, or testing days, all students (including drivers) must be signed out in person by a parent or guardian listed as an emergency contact.
-
Final Exams: To protect the testing environment, early releases are not permitted during final exam blocks.
We are committed to clear communication. Details regarding these policies have been shared throughout the year via ParentSquare (July 24, 25, 31; Oct 3, 15) and in our Falcon Flash newsletters throughout the first semester. We encourage families to review the CCUSD93 Student Handbook and CSHS Attendance for a complete overview.
Spring 2026 Testing Calendar: Please note the following dates where the in person sign out requirement is in effect. This does not apply to the Civics Make up day. We ask that families schedule appointments around these windows to protect the testing environment:
-
January 13 & 15: Horizon Benchmark 2 (Grades 9–11)
-
February 10: ASVAB
-
February 19: Civics Make-up (Grades 10–12) *Note: The sign out procedures do not apply here and are normal operating routine.
-
March 24 & 26: Horizon Benchmark 3 (Grades 9–10)
-
March 31: AZ SCI (Grade 11)
-
April 7: ACT (Grade 11) & ASPIRE (Grade 9) * Note: This is an Asynchronous Learning Day. Sophomores and Seniors will learn from home via Google Classroom.
-
April 28 – May 20: IB Testing (Grades 11–12)
-
May 4 – May 15: AP Testing (Grades 9–12)
-
May 21 – 22: Final Exams (All Grades) Note: No students will be permitted to leave school early during final exam blocks to ensure a distraction free environment.
Important Information from Educational Services here at CSHS
As we transition into the second semester following Winter Break, we want to provide important reminders regarding schedule updates:
Our goal is to ensure stability and focus on academic progress for all students.
2026-2027 Course Request Update
Course requests for the 2026-2027 school year are underway! This week, our counselors have met with the Class of 2029 (current 9th Graders) to help them submit their selections. We strive to honor student requests and first choices whenever possible, as we believe students should pursue courses that genuinely excite them. However, please remember that these submissions are requests and not a guarantee of the courses your student will be enrolled in for the Fall of 2026. Final schedules are determined by staffing, prerequisite completion, and overall course availability.
The Approved Reasons for Schedule Change as outlined in the CSHS Course Catalog
-
Graduation Requirement: Senior students requiring a specific class to fulfill an essential graduation requirement.
-
Prior Completion: The course was completed successfully prior to the start of the semester (e.g., in summer school).
-
Prerequisite Failure: The student failed to meet the required prerequisite for the course they are currently enrolled in.
-
Adjusting Rigor: Moving from an accelerated level (AP/Honors) to the corresponding regular level course (e.g., Honors Biology to Regular Biology) to better support student success and foundation building.
What We Cannot Accommodate:
Please note that we do not approve schedule changes based on teacher preference. We will not move a student from one teacher to another for the same course at the same level (e.g., changing from Ms. A's Geometry to Mr. B's Geometry). Our philosophy is to work collaboratively with the existing teacher to develop strategies that ensure student success in their current placement.
We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these established policies, which allow our counseling team to focus on essential academic planning and support.
Retaking Failed Courses
If a student did not pass a class during the first semester, please reach out to your counselor immediately to discuss options for retaking the course to earn the necessary credit. Students must meet all graduation requirements as outlined in the CSHS Course Catalog.
Make-Up Work Policy
Reminder: As we approach the end of the first quarter, please remember that when a student is absent, they have two (2) days to make up any missed work or tests.
-
On the day of the absence, a zero will be entered in the gradebook so the student can see exactly where they stand.
-
That zero will remain until the work or test is completed within the two-day window.
-
This policy applies to all absences, including illness, family issues, sports, clubs, or any other school-related events.
Thank you for helping reinforce this expectation with your students.
Open House for New Twos & Threes Preschool Program!
Dear CCUSD Team,
We’re excited to announce and invite you to the CCUSD Early Childhood Academy Open House — a new expansion of our preschool offerings that includes dedicated classrooms for two- and three-year-olds!
We’ll be hosting two Open House events for families to visit our classrooms, meet our preschool team, and learn more about this exciting program.
Open House Dates:
Thursday, January 8th | 4:00–6:00 PM
Friday, January 9th | 2:00–4:00 PM
Location: Lone Mountain Campus, 5520 E. Montgomery Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Attached is a flyer with more information. We encourage you to share it with friends, neighbors, or family members who may be interested in a high-quality preschool program for their little ones.
Learn more: https://ecs.ccusd93.org/eca
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- January 19th - MLK Day (No School)
- January 31st - Senior ad deadline - NO EXCEPTIONS
From the PTO
Dear CSHS Families,
As families of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, we have a special opportunity to once again pay it forward and show our support for the Class of 2026 and their families.
Each year, as part of the Falcon Farewell Graduation Party, the CSHS PTO provides seniors with raffle tickets so they have the chance to win items they want and need as they prepare for life beyond Cactus Shadows. Senior year is exciting, but it is also a costly season for many families, and this is one meaningful way we can help.
We invite you to support this tradition by shopping the Falcon Farewell Amazon Wish List. There are items at every price point, including gift cards, dorm and apartment essentials like sheets and towels, small appliances, and more.
Falcon Farewell Amazon Wish List
https://www.amazon.com/
This is also a great opportunity to regift. If you have new or gently unused items at home, PTO would be happy to put them to good use. Items can be dropped off in the CSHS front office.
Prefer to contribute directly? Donations can be made via Zelle to:
cshspto@gmail.com
(no fees, which we love)
Thank you for helping us celebrate and support our seniors as they prepare for their next chapter. Your generosity truly makes a difference.
With gratitude,
CSHS PTO
Falcons Athletics
Winter Sports Are Underway! Come fill the bleachers and support your Falcons all season long!
Game schedules for all teams can be found on the Cactus Shadows Athletic Calendar.
Falcon game schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
All athletes must complete Register My Athlete to participate in tryouts.
Please also ensure you have a current 2025–2026 physical on file before tryouts begin.
Register My Athlete: https://www.registermyathlete.
AIA 2025–2026 Physical Packet: https://aiaonline.org/files/
Updates from Winter Coaches:
Girls Soccer (Brett Cundall)
Cactus Shadows Girls Soccer is off to a great start this year. Varsity has compiled a 5-2-1 record through 8 games while the JV is sitting at 4-1. Led by a talented group of Seniors, Varsity's only two losses came via a 6A and 5A school. The Defending Desert Sky Region Champions look to repeat this year with Region games beginning in late January. The girls return to action on January 14th with a home contest against Poston Butte, JV starts at 4pm with Varsity kicking off at 6pm.
Boys Soccer (Paul Sitto)
This season started-out discouraging for the players,...wever, our team is resilient in beating the odds that they are facing. They have a good team, and they are more confident in having a positive outcome as they attempt to advance in the playoffs and capture another regional title.
Wrestling (Steven Perales)
Cactus Shadows Wrestling has shown heart and dedication for the first half of the season, and they will continue to do so for the remainder of the season. The wrestling team has encountered some tough matches and tournaments but have not backed down from any challenge. The team has truly shown the heart of a champion. Cactus Shadows Wrestling has had two tournaments so far and have wrestlers place at each tournament along with placing top 10 out of 35 teams. Opposing teams are starting to understand that Cactus Shadows Wrestling is here and not backing down. We will continue to battle and show the State there’s only one way to wrestle and that’s the Falcon Way. Go Falcons!
Boys Basketball (Zach Washut)
Boys basketball ended the 2025 first half of the season at 10-2, with a Thanksgiving tournament championship and runner up finish in the Visit Mesa Tournament.
They have an exciting 2nd half that include games against the top ranked teams in the state and a game at the Suns Arena on Jan 20th.
Friday night, January 9th they take on a top 10 team (Saguaro HS) at home. Pack the nest!
Cactus Shadows Tennis
Our Cactus Shadows Tennis program is preparing for a wonderful season this spring!
The first, official practice is Monday, February 9, 2026.
Ahead of the first, official practice, Cactus Shadows students are encouraged to attend open courts. The next open courts are on Wednesday, January 14th (2:30 - 4:30pm) and Friday, January 16th (1:00 - 3:00pm).
Additionally, on Saturday, January 17th (1:30 - 3:30pm) there is a player/parent fun tennis afternoon with warm-up drills, match play and live ball games.
For a full schedule of all upcoming sporting events click the link below.
CSHS Website
Attached is a link for the CSHS website, where you can easily find answers to frequently asked questions, stay up to date on upcoming events, and access information about sports and testing.
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 12/19/25
A Message From the Principal
'Twas the end of December, and all through the school, The semester was over, we’d followed each rule. The 18-week hustle had come to a close, As students and teachers prepared for repose.
Our Freshmen had learned what it means to be great, To wear Falcon colors and carry their weight. While Seniors were busy with applications and "E," Enrollment, Enlistment, or Employment—you’ll see!
Our Teachers worked tirelessly, morning and night, To make sure our students’ futures stayed bright. It truly is teamwork—a "village" of care, With a "students first" mission felt everywhere.
I’m proud of this staff and the families we know, Cactus Shadows is home, and I’m proud to say so. I care for these students; I care for this team, May your holiday break be a wonderful dream.
So rest and recharge, let the winter days mix, We’ll see you back here Tuesday, January 6! May your holidays sparkle with joy and delight, Happy Break to all Falcons, and to all a good night!
As we conclude this first half of the school year, I want to extend a sincere thank you to our families and students for your incredible hard work over these past 18 weeks.
It truly takes a village to support the success we see here every day. That success is only possible when we work together as a team with a shared purpose, keeping students first.
Our staff is truly amazing, and I care deeply for every individual who walks these halls. Please know that all of us at Cactus Shadows want only what is best for your student. I am honored to call this school my home.
I hope you get all you want this holiday season and that our students return ready and recharged on Tuesday, 1/6.
We ARE Falcons,
Mrs. Barela
2026-2027 Cactus Shadows HS Registration
Dear Cactus Shadows High School Families of 9th-11th Graders,
We are excited to welcome you to the registration process for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. This is an important time to ensure that your student is placed in the classes that will best meet their specific academic needs and support their post-secondary goals. Your student should be bringing home a worksheet with their course selections so that you can review and sign prior to scheduling.
We strive to offer a variety of courses to provide students with choice in their educational journey. To ensure that students are scheduled into classes where they will be most successful, our placement decisions will be guided by multiple data points:
- State Testing Data: Specifically, scores from the Arizona's Academic Standards Assessment (AASA), AZSci, and ACT Aspire.
- District assessments
- Course grades
Please note: Students who are not meeting standards on state and local assessments may not have access to Honors level courses in that subject area for the 2026-2027 school year. This measure is in place to protect your child's academic foundation and ensure they are ready for an advanced curriculum.
Our Cactus Shadows diploma is valuable and represents a comprehensive educational experience on our campus; therefore, CSHS students are expected to take their core content courses in person at Cactus Shadows High School. If you feel your student needs an online education or something different, we will work with you to facilitate a transfer to our online school (AOE) or pursue alternative pathways. You can review all the courses available and the policies/procedures that govern our academic program for the upcoming school year by visiting our 2026-27 course guide on the Cactus Shadows High School website under the “Counseling” tab.
If you are unsure about your child's standardized test scores or need advice on how to support them in passing these essential assessments, we encourage you to contact your student's teacher. A simple and effective way to help prepare your student for their standardized tests is to have them take ACT practice tests available online: https://www.azed.gov/assessment/. While test preparation is helpful, the best way to support your student's achievement is to engage them in conversations about the books they are reading. We recommend students read about one book for enjoyment per month to build vocabulary, comprehension, and stamina. Listening to audio books counts as reading! Please, ask your student what they are currently reading.
We thank you for your commitment and partnership with CCUSD. If you have any questions regarding the registration process, course options, or academic planning, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's school counselor or administrator.
Respectfully,
Patty Jensen, Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Cave Creek Unified School District
Dear Families,
As we wrap up another semester, we want to thank you for your support of our students’ hard work. We have a few important updates regarding final grades and planning for the spring semester.
Final Semester Grades
Please note that student grades close out today. We know students have worked hard to reach the finish line, and the grade they have earned is the grade they will receive. To ensure fairness and consistency for all students, and per page 12 of our 2026-27 High School Course Guide, teachers do not change or “bump up” final grades.
If you have questions or concerns about a grade, we ask that you please reach out to the teacher first. If the issue remains unresolved after speaking with the teacher, you may then follow up with the administrator over that specific content area:
-
Mrs. Barela: English
-
Mr. Schnee: ESS, Science, CTE, and Counselors
-
Mr. Morgan: Social Studies, World Language, and Arts (Fine/Performing)
-
Mr. Gilmore: Math and PE
Spring Online Course Enrollment
If your student is looking to get ahead or catch up through an online class this spring (for grade replacement, improvement, or credit recovery), we want to make sure the process is as smooth as possible for you. To ensure those credits are accepted, please remember:
-
Approval: Please complete the appropriate form with a counselor and receive administrative approval prior to enrolling.
-
Approved Providers: Courses should be completed through our ECS program or another paid, accredited, tuition-based school approved by Cactus Shadows.
If you have any questions about the enrollment process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s counselor, Mr. Schnee, or the ECS office directly.
Thank you for being such an important part of our school community!
Falcon Plan:
- December 22nd - 31st - Winter break
- January 1st - 5th - Winter Break
- January 6th - School Resumes, second semester begins
Falcons Celebrate
On Wednesday, December 3rd, we held a wonderful induction ceremony for the 29 newest members of the National Honor Society. As part of the event, students were tasked with writing and delivering an original speech about someone who has mentored them throughout their academic journey. Many of the teachers mentioned were recognized because they challenged students to grow and, most importantly, made them feel genuinely “seen.” While not every teacher was highlighted that evening, we know each and every one of them has a student who would gladly write a speech in their honor. A special thanks goes out to all of our teachers for the hard work and dedication they pour into our students, as well as to those who were mentioned and those who were able to attend and support our inductees.
Honors Dance Company
We are thrilled to share our immense pride and congratulations for Honors Dance Company’s incredible performance on Friday night! The show, themed around Greek Mythology, was a magnificent display of talent, creativity, and dedication. The students poured countless hours of hard work into this production, and it truly showed—their grace, precision, and commitment shone through in every routine. With a captivating blend of classical and modern dance styles, the performance was dynamic, engaging, and unforgettable. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Robinson for her outstanding guidance and leadership, helping the students reach this high level of artistry and putting together such a polished show. It was a fantastic evening, and we couldn’t be prouder of our dancers!
EVIT Field Trip
Our Cactus Shadows Counseling team took a select group of sophomores and juniors to EVIT on Wednesday, 12/10, to explore the wide range of career and trade certificate options available through hands-on learning experiences. Students selected from four grouped trade pathways based on their interests and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour led by current EVIT students. Highlights of the visit included observing Medical Assisting students drawing blood, watching Fire Science students run drills in full gear, and getting a little too close for comfort as welding students lit up the scene while working on local city projects. Overall, our students left excited and eager to get started at EVIT next school year. If your student is interested in the EVIT program, please have them reach out to our EVIT counselor, Ms. Alicia Young, for more information.
PTO Corner
Hey Falcon Families,
Looking for ways to get involved and make a difference? We encourage you to visit the PTO website linked below to learn more about upcoming meetings, events, and volunteer opportunities. Your involvement plays an important role in supporting our school and strengthening our Falcon community. We hope to see you there!
Safety
Dear CSHS Parents and Guardians,
We are writing to you today to address two important policies vital to maintaining a safe learning environment and promoting academic success for all students. As noted in the Student Handbook, we are dedicated to fostering a conducive learning environment where every student can thrive and succeed.
1. Campus Safety and Food/Item Deliveries
The safety of our students and staff is our absolute highest priority, and we are committed to providing a safe and secure campus. For this reason, our schools operate as a Closed Campus throughout the scheduled day. Recently, we have seen an uptick in students receiving deliveries (including food and drinks) from parents or outside drivers at unauthorized locations around the front of the school. This practice is strictly prohibited and presents a major safety risk to our campus.Unauthorized deliveries can lead to an administrative response, including a possible campus lockdown, depending on the situation. To maintain the security of our campus and adhere to our policies, we require that:
- All dropped-off items (food, drinks, or otherwise) must be delivered by a Parent/Legal Guardian/Emergency Contact directly to the school’s front office. This procedure allows our staff to check and monitor the item.
- Students may only pick up dropped-off items from the front office during designated transition periods or during their lunch break.
We appreciate your commitment to following this procedure to ensure the continued security of our learning environment.
2. Keeping the Learning Environment Distraction-Free (Cell Phones)
Our goal is to keep instructional time focused and free of distractions. The use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices can often cause disturbances or interfere with learning.
We want to remind all families that the use of electronic devices during instructional time is not permitted. House Bill 2484 (A.R.S. § 15-120.05) requires all public and charter school districts to create and enforce policies that limit student access to personal electronic devices during the school day. Students are expected to refrain from using these devices from bell-to-bell in each instructional period.
Students who are in violation of our cell phone–free school policy will be asked to turn in their device (phone, AirPods, headphones, etc.), and it will be placed in a locker at the front office to be held for parent pick-up.
Students are permitted to use personal electronic devices before school, after school, during class transitions, and at lunch.
We thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe and focused on learning.
Sincerely,
School Administration
Three year approved Calendars
Falcon Families,
We are excited to share that the district calendar has been approved for the next three years! We hope this will help make planning for the future a little easier for you and your family.
Make-Up Work Policy
Reminder: As we approach the end of the first quarter, please remember that when a student is absent, they have two (2) days to make up any missed work or tests.
-
On the day of the absence, a zero will be entered in the gradebook so the student can see exactly where they stand.
-
That zero will remain until the work or test is completed within the two-day window.
-
This policy applies to all absences, including illness, family issues, sports, clubs, or any other school-related events.
Thank you for helping reinforce this expectation with your students.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
Falcons Athletics
Winter Sports Are Underway! Come fill the bleachers and support your Falcons all season long!
Game schedules for all teams can be found on the Cactus Shadows Athletic Calendar.
Falcon game schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
All athletes must complete Register My Athlete to participate in tryouts.
Please also ensure you have a current 2025–2026 physical on file before tryouts begin.
Register My Athlete: https://www.registermyathlete.
AIA 2025–2026 Physical Packet: https://aiaonline.org/files/
January Athletes of the Month
We’re excited to announce our Athletes of the Month — Jax Finch and Riley Larson! These two student-athletes have demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and performance.
Jax Finch – Wrestling
Nominated by Coach Perales
“Jax has dominated the wrestling mat this season. At the halfway point of the season, he has won every match by technical fall or pin and has not yet gone into the third period. He also took first place at the Maricopa Desert Duals Tournament, pinning his opponent in the championship match in under 45 seconds, and earned the Outstanding Wrestler award for the tournament.”
Jax’s commitment, competitive excellence, and determination make him a standout example of Falcon Pride.
Riley Larson – Cheer
Nominated by Coach Canto
“Riley is an outstanding choice for Athlete of the Month because of her unmatched work ethic, leadership, and dedication both on and off the mat. She maintains high academic standards while excelling athletically and recently earned two state titles—one with her team and another as one of just five members of the all-girl stunt group. As a captain and Student Council Senior Vice President, Riley leads with integrity, takes on extra practices without hesitation, and continually pushes herself and her teammates to be their best.”
Riley’s leadership, perseverance, and commitment to excellence truly embody what it means to be a Falcon.
Congratulations, Jax and Riley! Thank you for representing Cactus Shadows with pride, passion, and excellence.
Go Falcons!
Clear Bag Policy
Floyd says, "Don't forget our clear bag policy is in effect for all sporting events. If you would like to purchase a Falcon's bag.
Falcon Fans!
We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about CCUSD’s clear bag guidelines. These guidelines have been put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Please take a moment to review them, so everyone is prepared and ready for game time!
Thank you for your cooperation, and as always—Go Falcons!
Please click HERE to read through the guidelines.
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 11/25/25
A Message From the Principal
As we head into Thanksgiving break, I want to take a moment to thank each of you. One of the greatest strengths of our Cactus Shadows community is the way we stand beside one another—our staff is here for our students and for each other, and we feel the support of our families and community every day.
Often, we get caught up in things that don’t really matter. It’s important to pause, reflect, and recognize what you’re truly thankful for. As you move into the holiday, I encourage you to take a moment to send a text, an email, or make a quick phone call to someone who has made a difference in your life. We often don’t acknowledge others as much as we should, and a simple message can mean so much.
I want you to know how deeply grateful I am for each of you—for trusting us with your students and for partnering with us in their growth and success. I am also profoundly appreciative of our staff, who show up each day with dedication and heart. And on a personal note, I am thankful for the support of my friends and family; they are my foundation and my guiding north.
Wishing you a restful and meaningful Thanksgiving break. See you all Monday, December 1st.
Mrs. Barela
Falcon Plan:
- November 26th, 27th & 28 - Thanksgiving Holiday (No School)
- December 2nd - Winter Concert (Choir & Band) 6:30 PM @ FAC
- December 5th - Winter Dance Show, 7 PM @ FAC
- December 18th & 19th - Semester Final Exams - early release at 11:15 AM both days.
- December 22nd - Winter break Begins
Falcons Celebrate
We are so thankful for our coaches, student-athletes, and the incredible parent supporters we have here at CSHS. This Saturday, our Cheer team took first place once again at the state competition, earning 1st in All-Girl Stunt and 1st in Cheer Game Day. They were also recognized for their effective crowd leading—thank you to our parents for showing up and cheering alongside them! In addition, our Pom team competed on Friday in the AIA State Competition and brought home 5th place. Their performance was outstanding, and they represented Cactus Shadows with pride. Great job girls! we are so proud of you all.
Falcons Continue to Inspire
Our Falcons continue to do incredible things after leaving the nest, and Evan Schomaker is a shining example. A 2016 CSHS graduate, Evan has built an impressive and inspiring path of service and achievement. After graduating from West Point in 2021, he completed the Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course and joined the 82d Airborne Division, where he now serves as an Infantry Officer in the 1-504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Recently promoted to Captain, Evan has already earned distinctions such as graduating from U.S. Army Ranger School and Jumpmaster School and leading an Airborne Infantry Platoon. He was also selected to become an F-16 pilot for the Arizona National Guard and will begin the fighter pilot training pipeline in 2026. Today, Evan returned to campus to teach Mr. Reisener’s physics classes, showing students how concepts like free-body diagrams apply to real-world experiences—such as parachuting from airplanes. His positive impact and the excitement he sparked among students were remarkable. He’ll be back tomorrow to speak with our AP Physics classes. We are incredibly proud of Evan and all he has accomplished.
Vivace Honors Choir
Our Vivace Honors Choir proudly performed at the Carefree Veterans Day Celebration, sharing their talent in honor of the brave men and women who have served our country. Their beautiful voices added a meaningful and heartfelt touch to the ceremony, and we are incredibly proud of the students for representing our school with such grace and professionalism.
Teacher Caricatures
Ms. Dara Parsons proudly showcased some of her Draw/Paint 2 students as they presented a hand-drawn caricature to one of their favorite teachers on campus. The thoughtful artwork captured both creativity and appreciation, making the moment extra special. This is always a fan favorite, bringing smiles and celebrating the talent of our amazing students. 🙂
Talented Falcons
Our amazing and talented CSHS artists have something to brag about too! Mrs. Parsons has selected 10 standout students to have their artwork showcased at The Sonoran Arts League in Stagecoach Village for the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour 2025. Their pieces will be on display November 21, 22, & 23 and again on November 28, 29, & 30. This is an incredible opportunity for our young artists, and we are so proud of their creativity and hard work! Please click the link to view their beautiful work.
Welcome our new registrar
The Administration at CSHS is thrilled to introduce our new registrar, Jade Berry! Jade is a proud Cactus Shadows alumna, graduating with the Class of 2015. She has been working in the district for the past year, beginning as the Bookstore Manager here at CSHS before moving into Finance at the district office.
Jade is also a wife and mom to a very sweet little girl, and we are so excited to welcome her back to our campus. We have no doubt she will do great things for our Falcons.
Please feel free to reach out to her—she is happy to help. You can contact her at jberry@ccusd93.org or 480-575-2413.
Welcome back, Jade! Once a Falcon, always a Falcon.
Educational Services
Dear Falcons and Families,
We are excited to announce the start of the course registration process for the 2026-2027 school year! This is a critical time for students to plan their academic path at Cactus Shadows.
Students will be bringing home their Course Registration Forms soon. Please take the time to review these selections carefully with your student to ensure they align with their academic goals and future plans.
We kindly ask that you sign the registration sheet before your student turns it in. While we make every effort to honor all requests, final placement is always dependent on course availability and graduation requirements.
Registration Timeline by Grade Level
Please note the following schedule for receiving and returning registration forms:
|
Current Grade Level (Rising to...) |
Forms Sent Home |
Forms Due |
|---|---|---|
|
To Be Seniors |
Week of Thanksgiving |
First Week of December |
|
To Be Juniors |
Week of December 8th |
[Specific Date/Time] |
|
To Be Sophomores |
Week of January 6th (After Winter Break) |
[Specific Date/Time] |
We look forward to working together to craft a successful and challenging schedule for your student.
Sincerely,
CSHS Educational Services
Educational Services
Falcons and Families,
The end of the semester is fast approaching, and we want to encourage all students to finish the school year strong! This final stretch is crucial for success and earning course credit.
Key Actions for a Successful Finish:
We ask students to focus on three key areas in the coming weeks:
-
Keep Up with Assignments: Dedicate time each day to check PowerSchool and complete any missing or late assignments. Every point counts towards a successful final grade.
-
Utilize Teacher Support: Don't wait until the last minute! Take advantage of teacher office hours, tutorial sessions, or after-school help as needed.
-
Ask for Help: If you are struggling with a concept, please reach out to your teacher, counselor, or a peer tutor immediately. We are all here to support you.
Final Exam Information
Please mark your calendars for Final Exams which will be held on December 18th, and December 19th.
The detailed Final Exam schedule, including specific times and bell changes, will be released and shared with families and students very soon.
Let's make this a strong and successful conclusion to the semester!
Make-Up Work Policy
Reminder: As we approach the end of the first quarter, please remember that when a student is absent, they have two (2) days to make up any missed work or tests.
-
On the day of the absence, a zero will be entered in the gradebook so the student can see exactly where they stand.
-
That zero will remain until the work or test is completed within the two-day window.
-
This policy applies to all absences, including illness, family issues, sports, clubs, or any other school-related events.
Thank you for helping reinforce this expectation with your students.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- November 26th-28th - Thanksgiving Break (No school)
- November 30th - DEADLINE Price increase to order yearbook. https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/16423
- December 15th - FINAL Deadline to order Cap & Gowns
Falcons Athletics
We are super excited to kick off our Winter Sports Season!
Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Wrestling, and Girls & Boys Basketball are all underway, and our athletes are ready to compete, and we want YOU in the stands! Grab your blue and white, bring the energy, and come cheer on our teams. 
Falcon game schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
All athletes must complete Register My Athlete to participate in tryouts.
Please also ensure you have a current 2025–2026 physical on file before tryouts begin.
Register My Athlete: https://www.registermyathlete.
AIA 2025–2026 Physical Packet: https://aiaonline.org/files/
Clear Bag Policy
Floyd says, "Don't forget our clear bag policy is in effect for all sporting events. If you would like to purchase a Falcon's bag.
Falcon Fans!
We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about CCUSD’s clear bag guidelines. These guidelines have been put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Please take a moment to review them, so everyone is prepared and ready for game time!
Thank you for your cooperation, and as always—Go Falcons!
Please click HERE to read through the guidelines.
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
To see the full upcoming sports schedule, please click the link.
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 11/14/25
A Message From the Principal
In case you missed the great news, I want to share it with you again—Cactus Shadows High School is proud to announce our outstanding letter grade and state ranking from the Arizona Department of Education: CSHS is an A school! This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the growth of our students.
Together, we are helping our Falcons prepare to Employ, Enlist, or Enroll and continue their journey of learning and growth. As we near the end of this first semester, let’s continue working together to help our kids accomplish their goals. They absolutely can do it—they can find success and do hard things.
We also had an amazing week welcoming the Class of 2030 to campus on Thursday. Our future Falcons attended classes, listened to a student panel, and joined us for a mini-assembly. Our counselors and StuCo did a fabulous job organizing the Fly-In, and our coaches, department leads, choir, and band—with Ms. Young, Ms. Bergen, and Mr. Anderson—stepped up in a big way for the parent and student night. The collaboration of everyone involved made these events a true success.
With November being the month of thanks, I am truly grateful to work with such an amazing group of staff and students. Have a wonderful weekend.
We ARE Falcons!
Falcon Plan:
- November 26th, 27th & 28 - Thanksgiving Holiday (No School)
Falcons Celebrate
We are thrilled to share this exciting news with our Falcon Families and community! We’d like to take a moment to thank all of our incredible staff for everything they do for our students each and every day. From our bus drivers who ensure students arrive safely, to our security team who keeps them focused and on track, to our cafeteria staff who nourish them, to our counselors who guide them as they plan for life beyond Cactus Shadows, and to our dedicated teachers who spend countless hours planning, grading, and inspiring our Falcons to reach their full potential—thank you. And to our amazing parents, whose continued guidance and support make all the difference, we are deeply grateful. Together, you have helped make Cactus Shadows the #7 ranked public school in the state!
Rotary Student of the Month
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale North, established in 2009, is one of over 45,000 Rotary clubs around the world dedicated to serving others and making a positive impact. The club has been instrumental in supporting individuals and organizations within the North Scottsdale, Carefree, and Cave Creek communities. Through its fundraising efforts, it has donated tens of thousands of dollars to both local and international charities, including Granada Elementary School, Project Amigo in Mexico, Desert Willow Elementary School, Desert Foothills Family YMCA, Feed My Starving Children, and the Foothills Caring Corp. Rotary International’s 1.2 million members are known globally as people of action who strive to eradicate polio, expand access to clean water, promote peace, and combat illiteracy, poverty, and disease. The Rotary Award for Service recognizes students who embody these same values by going above and beyond in their service to others—whether in school, at home, or in the community—making a meaningful difference through their actions and commitment to helping those in need.
We are so thrilled to share that Zoe MacMillan was chosen as the Rotary Club of Scottsdale North Student of the Quarter! Zoe was selected based on the recommendation of the Cactus Shadows High School Administration in recognition of her outstanding community service and dedication to helping others. She was invited to attend a Rotary meeting, where she was presented with a certificate and a cash award in honor of her achievements. We are incredibly proud of Zoe and excited to celebrate her well-earned recognition. Congratulations, Zoe, on this wonderful accomplishment!
QUARTER PHI BACK WEEK 12 NATIONAL WATCHLIST & QB HONORS
We’re excited to share the Quarter Phi Back Week 12 National Watchlist and QB honors! Congratulations to Donivan Dixon for being named Co- High School QB of the Week—an outstanding achievement. Also, please check out the Post Route Newsletter, which highlights Black quarterbacks in the Arena Football League, recognizing our very own Coach Chris Dixon and other exceptional Arena players. Congratulations to both Donivan and Coach Dixon—so well deserved!
Future Falcons
Future Falcon Night and Falcon Fly-In were both a great success! We had the pleasure of welcoming many incoming 8th graders and their families to tour our campus, explore clubs and sports, and meet our teachers. Families also had the opportunity to learn about our various pathways from our counseling team. It’s always wonderful to share everything Cactus Shadows has to offer with our community!
Attendance Office
Attendance Matters!
Regular attendance is key to student success at Cactus Shadows High School. When students are present and engaged, they build stronger connections with teachers and peers, stay on top of assignments, and perform better academically.
Attendance Policy Highlights:
-
Excused Absences: Parents/guardians must notify the attendance office within 24 hours of an absence. Absences can be excused for illness, medical appointments, family emergencies, or other approved reasons.
-
Unexcused Absences: Any absence not verified within 24 hours will remain unexcused.
-
Tardies: Arriving on time is just as important as showing up! Students who arrive late must check in at the attendance office before heading to class. Tardies will only be excused with parent sign in or a doctor's note.
-
Early Release: To ensure campus safety and minimize disruptions, all early release requests for our drivers must be submitted in advance. Students must sign out through the office before they leave. For non-drivers, a parent must come to the office, show ID and sign the student out.
-
Student Early Release Policy for Alternate schedule/ Long weekends/ Testing days: Students requesting to leave early on testing days, the day before a long weekend, or during special campus events must have a parent physically sign them out in person at the attendance office, even if the student drives. Phone calls, emails, or notes will not be accepted as a means of early dismissal on these days
We’re thrilled to share that attendance and punctuality have both improved significantly this semester! Thanks to the support of our families and the commitment of our students, we’ve seen fewer tardies and a noticeable increase in daily attendance. Your partnership makes a difference! Thank you for helping us create a learning environment where every day counts. Thank you!
Make-Up Work Policy
Reminder: As we approach the end of the first quarter, please remember that when a student is absent, they have two (2) days to make up any missed work or tests.
-
On the day of the absence, a zero will be entered in the gradebook so the student can see exactly where they stand.
-
That zero will remain until the work or test is completed within the two-day window.
-
This policy applies to all absences, including illness, family issues, sports, clubs, or any other school-related events.
Thank you for helping reinforce this expectation with your students.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- November 26th-28th - Thanksgiving Break (No school)
- November 30th - DEADLINE Price increase to order yearbook. https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/16423
Falcons Athletics
The Falcons are fired up and ready for an awesome season, and we want YOU in the stands! Grab your blue and white, bring the energy, and come cheer on our teams.
All athletes must complete Register My Athlete to participate in tryouts.
Please also ensure you have a current 2025–2026 physical on file before tryouts begin.
Register My Athlete: https://www.registermyathlete.
AIA 2025–2026 Physical Packet: https://aiaonline.org/files/
Support Your Falcons- Grab your Falcon gear, bring the energy, and let’s pack the stands! 
Falcon sports schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
November Athletes of the Month
We’re excited to announce our November Athletes of the Month — Alex Dafnis and Tessa Rhude! These two student-athletes have demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and performance.
Alex Dafnis – Football
Nominated by Coach Dixon
“Alex had a breakout performance against Notre Dame Prep, scoring three total touchdowns while also making a big impact on defense with one sack and two tackles for loss. Alex is also an incredible student with a 4.0 GPA.”
Alex’s commitment, leadership, and academic excellence make him a standout example of Falcon pride.
Tessa Rhude – Girls Golf
Nominated by Coach O’Bryan
“Tessa is a top-notch basketball player who joined our golf team because she loves the game. She started the season ranked about 30th to qualify for State but worked hard to climb to 14th, earning her spot at the State Tournament! She’s a great teammate, full of positive energy, and even inspired some of our team strategies. Outstanding job, Tessa!”
Tessa’s perseverance, positivity, and team spirit truly embody what it means to be a Falcon.
Congratulations, Alex and Tessa! Thank you for representing Cactus Shadows with pride, passion, and excellence.
Go Falcons!
Falcon Cross Country
Your Falcons Cross Country teams stepped to the line today at the AIA D2 East Section Cross Country Championships. A trip to the AIA State Championship was on the line.
The Boys teams toed the line first and they took flight! Racing around the course you could see the fire in their eyes. They ran with heart, pure guts and determination finishing 3rd!!! . 5 of the 7 ran new personal records and the combined effort helped them punch their ticket to the State Championship next week. Congratulations to Broderick (16th), Calvin (24th), Brooks M (25th), Gavin (33rd), MJ(36th) , Broden (45th) and Matthew (47th).
Next up were the Girls. A tall task was at hand, defending their 2024 Title. Well, suffice it to say after outstanding performances by all and 4 top 10 finishers (Sylvia 2nd, Allison 3, Mary 4th, Kendall 8th) the Girls are your 2025 D2 East Section Champions! Congratulations to Sylvia, Allison, Mary, Kendall, Layla, Ellery, and Aubrey. Mission accomplished ladies that is BACK 2 BACK Section Titles.
Clear Bag Policy
Floyd says, "Don't forget our clear bag policy is in effect for all sporting events. If you would like to purchase a Falcon's bag.
Falcon Fans!
We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about CCUSD’s clear bag guidelines. These guidelines have been put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Please take a moment to review them, so everyone is prepared and ready for game time!
Thank you for your cooperation, and as always—Go Falcons!
Please click HERE to read through the guidelines.
Community Partners Needed – Love Our Schools Day
Cactus Shadows High School is excited to participate in Love Our Schools Day on Saturday, November 15th. This year, our focus will be on campus beautification, specifically enhancing our landscaping and exploring the possibility of adding fencing at the Fieldhouse.
We are looking for community partners who are willing to spend time on campus that day to help us give our landscaping a much-needed clean up and refresh.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please complete this form: Love Our Schools Interest Form
Thank you for helping us make CSHS a more beautiful place for our students and community!
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 10/31/25
A Message From the Principal
Hello Falcons,
The last couple of weeks have been such a joy, as we celebrated our seniors during the Fall Sports Senior Nights, enjoyed a performance of The Mousetrap by our Drama department, and hosted our first district-wide Trunk-or-Treat! With playoffs approaching, we’re excited to see our athletes represent Cactus Shadows with pride and perform at their best.
Whether you celebrate Halloween or not, we hope you have a fun and safe weekend. When we return on Monday, we’ll have just seven weeks left until the end of the first semester and Fall Break! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your student needs any support—we’re here to help.
Today brought plenty of fun and smiles on campus with our teachers in costume. No matter the age, students always love seeing their teachers join in on spirit days! A big thank-you to our front office team for organizing this month’s Early Release Breakfast—it was a spooky good time.
Thank you for trusting us with your students. Cactus Shadows truly is a great place to be! If you have any questions, please reach out—we’re always happy to help.
Mrs. Barela
Falcon Plan:
- November 11th - Veterans Day (No School)
- November 12th - Future Falcon Night @ CSHS from 6PM-7PM
- November 13th - Falcon Fly-In @ CSHS for the incoming 8th grade students.
- November 26th, 27th & 28 - Thanksgiving Holiday (No School)
Falcons Celebrate
Our Drama Club had an amazing three-night run of Mouse Trap! It was wonderful to see so many of you there supporting our students and Mr. Eller. The show was fantastic, and the students did a truly fabulous job!
Trunk or Treat
CSHS was thrilled to serve as the host school for this year’s CCUSD Trunk or Treat event! It was an incredible evening filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit as students, families, and staff came together to celebrate. The turnout was fantastic, and the creativity on display was impressive — from spooky to silly, each trunk was decorated with amazing detail and enthusiasm. The Halloween spirit was alive and well, making it a memorable night for everyone who attended.
Spooky Staff Halloween
A big thank-you to our front office team for organizing this month’s Early Release Breakfast—it was a spooky good time.
Student Services
It is important to remember to check in with teachers first if you have questions or concerns about your student. Please set up a meeting with the teacher and your student(s) so you can work collaboratively to support their success. Teachers are the best resource to help students understand the material and achieve overall success in their courses.
Students are encouraged to attend office hours if they need extra help or want clarification in a smaller, focused setting. This allows teachers to provide more individualized support and ensures students have the best chance to succeed.
Thank you for partnering with us in supporting our students!
Attendance Office
Attendance Matters!
Regular attendance is key to student success at Cactus Shadows High School. When students are present and engaged, they build stronger connections with teachers and peers, stay on top of assignments, and perform better academically.
Attendance Policy Highlights:
-
Excused Absences: Parents/guardians must notify the attendance office within 24 hours of an absence. Absences can be excused for illness, medical appointments, family emergencies, or other approved reasons.
-
Unexcused Absences: Any absence not verified within 24 hours will remain unexcused.
-
Tardies: Arriving on time is just as important as showing up! Students who arrive late must check in at the attendance office before heading to class. Tardies will only be excused with parent sign in or a doctor's note.
-
Early Release: To ensure campus safety and minimize disruptions, all early release requests for our drivers must be submitted in advance. Students must sign out through the office before they leave. For non-drivers, a parent must come to the office, show ID and sign the student out.
-
Student Early Release Policy for Alternate schedule/ Long weekends/ Testing days: Students requesting to leave early on testing days, the day before a long weekend, or during special campus events must have a parent physically sign them out in person at the attendance office, even if the student drives. Phone calls, emails, or notes will not be accepted as a means of early dismissal on these days
We’re thrilled to share that attendance and punctuality have both improved significantly this semester! Thanks to the support of our families and the commitment of our students, we’ve seen fewer tardies and a noticeable increase in daily attendance. Your partnership makes a difference! Thank you for helping us create a learning environment where every day counts. Thank you!
Make-Up Work Policy
Reminder: As we approach the end of the first quarter, please remember that when a student is absent, they have two (2) days to make up any missed work or tests.
-
On the day of the absence, a zero will be entered in the gradebook so the student can see exactly where they stand.
-
That zero will remain until the work or test is completed within the two-day window.
-
This policy applies to all absences, including illness, family issues, sports, clubs, or any other school-related events.
Thank you for helping reinforce this expectation with your students.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline. Link will available soon.
Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- November 5th - CSHS Early Signing Day Ceremony
- November 26th-28th - Thanksgiving Break (No school)
- November 30th - DEADLINE Price increase to order yearbook. https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/16423
Falcons Athletics
The Falcons are fired up and ready for an awesome season, and we want YOU in the stands! Grab your blue and white, bring the energy, and come cheer on our teams.
All athletes must complete Register My Athlete to participate in tryouts.
Please also ensure you have a current 2025–2026 physical on file before tryouts begin.
Register My Athlete: https://www.registermyathlete.
AIA 2025–2026 Physical Packet: https://aiaonline.org/files/
Don’t miss your chance to be part of our winter sports teams — make sure all paperwork is complete before Monday!
Please reach out to Sara Thompson sdthompson@ccusd93.org Administrative Assistant to Athletic Director with any questions!
Support Your Falcons- Grab your Falcon gear, bring the energy, and let’s pack the stands!
Falcon sports schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
National Signing Day – Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Attention Senior Parents and Student-Athletes!
Cactus Shadows High School will celebrate National Signing Day on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:30am in the Blue Gym.
This special event recognizes all senior student-athletes who have committed to a college or university and will be signing a Written Offer of Athletics Aid to compete at the next level.
Please note — this event is for all sports except football. Football players will participate in their early signing event on December 3, 2025.
If you would like to take part in the November signing celebration, please contact Athletics Assistant Sara Thompson at sthompson@ccusd93.org as soon as possible to RSVP and receive additional details.
We look forward to celebrating our Falcons continuing their athletic careers!
Winter Sports Information:
Try-Outs:
Winter Sports tryouts begin Monday, November 3rd! All athletes must be cleared through Register My Athlete before tryouts begin. If your child is not cleared, they may not try out. Please complete this process as soon as possible! (see link below)
Specific Information
|
Team |
Try-Out Dates/Times/ Location |
|
Wrestling |
November 3rd - 7th 5:00 - 7:00PM Wrestling Room |
|
Boys Soccer |
November 3 - 7 4:30 - 6:30PM Location: District Practice Field (above Cafeteria) |
|
Girls Soccer |
November 3 - 5 All Levels 2:45 - 4:15PM Location: Black Mountain (60th Street & Falcon Drive) |
|
Boys Basketball |
Nov 3-5 Frosh/JV: 330-515PM Location: Gray Gym Varsity: 515-7PM Location: Blue Gym |
|
Girls Basketball |
Nov 3rd-4th 5:30-7:30PM Location: Gray Gym |
Fees:
The $335 athletic fee is due by Monday, November 10th (the week after tryouts). If fees are not paid, your child will not be able to participate until they are paid.
Get registered here: https://cshs.ccusd93.org/athletics
Let’s get ready for another great Falcon season!
Check out this fantastic article by Ben Davis that was just published today on AZPreps365 titled “Berger finds his stride and a family at Cactus Shadows.” azpreps365.com It profiles our own cross-country standout, Jonathan Berger, and dives into his journey—from discovering the sport in elementary school, through perseverance (five years of training!)—to winning his first cross-country medal this October.
Student Drop-Off
As we celebrate our Varsity senior football boys, they kicked off the festivities with a special visit to the elementary schools, greeting students as they arrived and welcoming them onto campus with smiles and high-fives. Afterward, the players joined the younger students on the playground, sharing laughs and games to start the day on a positive note. This long-standing tradition is always a highlight for both the seniors and the elementary students, creating lasting memories and school spirit across all grade levels.
Please click on the sign-up link, and then click it one more time to access the form.
Clear Bag Policy
Floyd says, "Don't forget our clear bag policy is in effect for all sporting events. If you would like to purchase a Falcon's bag.
Falcon Fans!
We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about CCUSD’s clear bag guidelines. These guidelines have been put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Please take a moment to review them, so everyone is prepared and ready for game time!
Thank you for your cooperation, and as always—Go Falcons!
Please click HERE to read through the guidelines.
Community Partners Needed – Love Our Schools Day
Cactus Shadows High School is excited to participate in Love Our Schools Day on Saturday, November 15th. This year, our focus will be on campus beautification, specifically enhancing our landscaping and exploring the possibility of adding fencing at the Fieldhouse.
We are looking for community partners who are willing to spend time on campus that day to help us give our landscaping a much-needed clean up and refresh.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please complete this form: Love Our Schools Interest Form
Thank you for helping us make CSHS a more beautiful place for our students and community!
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 10/17/25
A Message From the Principal
40 Years of Falcon Magic — We’re All in This Together
What an incredible week at Cactus Shadows! The joy and energy on campus, in celebration of Homecoming, was absolutely contagious. The smiles, laughter, and pride radiating from our students, staff, and families truly captured the heart of what it means to be a Falcon.
A huge shout-out to Mrs. Gans and our amazing Student Council crew for organizing a Falcon Fabulous parde and assembly. We enjoyed magical performances from our CSHS Company Dance Team, Pom, Cheer, and our teachers, along with a fantastic Disney music collage performed by our band—a perfect tribute to this year’s theme of “40 years of Falcon Magic.”
This week marked the 40th anniversary of the very first Homecoming at Cactus Shadows, reminding us that our school is about so much more than grades or scores—it’s about community. As the lyrics of the song, We're All in This Together remind us:
We make each other strong…
We're not the same, we're different in a good way
Together's where we belong
We're all in this together
Once we know that we are all stars, and we see that we're all in this together
It shows when we stand hand in hand
Make our dreams come true
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on, let's have some fun
Together, we're there for each other every time
Together, together, come on, let's do this right
When we come together as Falcons, amazing things happen. That is the true magic of CSHS. 💙
We hope to see you all tonight at the 40th Homecoming Game as we celebrate four decades of Falcon Magic! Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.
#FalconPride #WeAreFalcons #40YearsOfFalconMagic
Falcon Plan:
- October 18th - Homecoming Dane - 8PM - 10PM CSHS Blue Gym
- October 20th - PVCC Night - 6PM
- October 22th -PSAT - 7:30 AM
- October 23rd - Picture Day Make-ups
- October 23rd - 25th - Fall Play 7PM
- October 24th Trunk or Treat - 6PM
Falcons Celebrate
We’d like to give a huge congratulations to our CSHS Student of the Month, Charlene Lamb! 🎉
We are extremely proud of all her hard work and dedication—both in the classroom and on the golf course. Charlene truly exemplifies what it means to be a student leader.
Below are some pictures of Charlene receiving her award at the Governing Board meeting.
Congratulations to our Vivace Honors Choir!
Our talented singers recently competed in the AMEA Fall Choral Festival, earning an Excellent with Distinction rating! This prestigious event brings together choirs from across the greater Phoenix area to perform three prepared pieces and sight-read a computer-generated harmony selection for two adjudicators.
We’re especially proud to share that this year, our choir earned a perfect 10/10 on their final sight-reading—an incredible accomplishment and a first for our program!
Way to go, Vivace Honors Choir! Your hard work and dedication truly shine! 
Homecoming Dance Details
The Dance is TOMORROW, 10/18, 8-10pm in the GRAY GYM
- Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door and you have to have a ticket to enter.
-Students will park in the main student parking lot and enter through the 300 Building gate.
-Students will check in at the Blue Gym lobby. Attendees need their Students ID (or a photo of it) and their ticket receipt (or a photo of it) from the Bookstore.
-Clear bag policy
-The Snack Shack will be open (Courtesy of our Lady Falcon Volleyball team). Below is the menu:
Homecoming Fun Facts:
Fun facts worth noting:
- 1985 was the first year Cactus Shadows played 11 man football!
- 1985 was the first year the Falcons won the League Championship!
- 1985 was the first year Cactus Shadows went to the State Championships!
- In 1985, many of the team played both offense and defense, the entire game! And, because of that, many members of the ‘85 team were awarded All State Offense and Defense the same year… something unheard of today.
- The seniors in 1985 went on to become the first graduating class in ‘86!
- There were only 64 students in the graduating class making the graduation ceremony only 15 minutes!
Homecoming Throwbacks
I had an opportunity to play football at University of Oklahoma but instead chose to be the first Falcon to join the Marine Corps! I served domestically during the 1st Gulf War after an accident left me in a wheel chair, and I went on to earn a National Defense Medal, two Meritorious Unit Citations, and an honorable discharge several years later. I never missed a Falcons home game on Friday nights until I was banned from campus for running through the opposing team’s banner at half-time! That ban might still be in effect…
My wife Amy will be with me.
Mrs McBeth is a recently retired 26 year veteran teacher of Cave Creek Unified! She earned the districts highest award twice during her tenure, and was one of only 30 women in the state to earn and renew her National Board Certification in mathematics three times over 15 years! (Sonoran Trails Middle School). Many of the kids and some of the parents in the audience are her former students!
Sincerely,
Christian McBeth
Another memory---
I played Tackle, both offense and defense for all 4 years I played at Cactus Shadows. My freshmen year was a tough year because at that time the players that were 2 years ahead of me were tough. I remember every time I had to go against Mike Wilson and George Poston, I would cringe. But going against those guys prepared me for future years and eventually College ball. My Junior year was the best year of my career as I made the all state team. Funny that Tim brings up that Salome game, I remember that one well as we were really outgunned, those guys were big and we gave it our all but just could not get ahead. Cactus Shadows football were some of the best times I had and I still talk about them today. As you can see in the photos, once Chris McBeth graduated I took on his number as we were best friends when he went to serve his country, Thank You!. I have so many fond memories I could write forever. I have worked for Coconino County Parks and Recreation for 22 years as a Facilities Supervisor and currently work for Coconino County Public Works as the Green waste Special projects Manager. Part of my job is that I make road base material for the Road Maintenance division, which means that I crush and blast material in pits. Right up my ally for anyone who knows me.
Thanks,
Kevin
I played quarterback and cornerback for nearly all 3 of my years at Cactus Shadows. I was chosen all-state 2nd team as both QB and DB my junior year, and then DB my senior year. After graduating from NAU, I worked for Microsoft for almost 20 years, and I have been a Software Test Engineer now for over 35 years.
My fun story to tell:
For my first full game as QB my sophomore year in Class B 8-man football, we played Salome high school. We lost that game 70-0. We had only freshmen and sophomores and Salome had mostly seniors on their team.
I remember we actually drove down the field, late in the 4th quarter, and on 4th down, and 3 yards to go for our only chance at a touchdown, Coach Dan Telkamp called timeout. He came out to the huddle on the field and called the play for me to bootleg around the right end. I succeeded in slipping and falling down on the 3-yard line which ended the game at 70-0. Somehow, they kept me at QB for the next 3 years.
But what a great turnaround it was to become conference champs our senior year!
Thanks,
Tim
Make-Up Work Policy
Reminder: As we approach the end of the first quarter, please remember that when a student is absent, they have two (2) days to make up any missed work or tests.
-
On the day of the absence, a zero will be entered in the gradebook so the student can see exactly where they stand.
-
That zero will remain until the work or test is completed within the two-day window.
-
This policy applies to all absences, including illness, family issues, sports, clubs, or any other school-related events.
Thank you for helping reinforce this expectation with your students.
Student Services
Don’t Miss Our First-Ever In-State College Night at Cactus Shadows!
Wednesday, October 23rd
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Cactus Shadows High School (Staff Parking Lot & Entrance)
Get ready for an evening full of opportunity, exploration, and inspiration! We're bringing 8 incredible Arizona colleges right to you for this interactive tabling event. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or narrowing down your list, this is the perfect chance to:
Meet college reps face-to-face
Ask your burning questions
Discover the amazing programs right here in your home state
Enjoy light refreshments while you browse!
Parents and students—this is your chance to get the inside scoop on in-state colleges in a casual, welcoming setting. So grab a friend, bring your curiosity, and come see what your future could hold!
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
- Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline. Link will available soon.
- Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- Senior Picture Retakes: October 23rd
Falcons Athletics
Fall Sports Are Here! The Falcons are fired up and ready for an awesome season, and we want YOU in the stands! Grab your blue and white, bring the energy, and come cheer on our teams.
Support Your Falcons- Grab your Falcon gear, bring the energy, and let’s pack the stands!
Falcon sports schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
CSHS Dance Team
Support Your CSHS Dance Team!
The CSHS Dance Team will be selling Falcon merch at every home game this season — come grab your gear and show your spirit! October Shoutout Product: Our Breast Cancer Awareness Tee — available this Friday at the game!
Final Car Wash of the Season: Join us this Saturday from 9:00 AM–1:30 PM at the CVS behind the Summit. Any and all donations are welcome — come get your car sparkling clean while supporting your Dance Team!
Senior Night Shout Outs: Want to recognize your senior over the big speaker on 10/30? Submit your message here
Senior Night Shout Out Form
Thank you for supporting the team!
CSHS Cheer Fundraisers
Barro’s Pizza Restaurant Night
Come support our CSHS Cheer Program at Barro’s Pizza on Thursday, October 23rd!
25% of all sales will benefit the Cheer Program.
Don’t forget to bring the flyer—attached below!
Cheer Car Wash Fundraiser
Stop by and get your car washed while supporting our team!
Saturday, October 25th
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
CVS Parking Lot at The Summit
Flyer attached.
Clear Bag Policy
Floyd says, "Don't forget our clear bag policy is in effect for all sporting events. If you would like to purchase a Falcon's bag.
Falcon Fans!
We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about CCUSD’s clear bag guidelines. These guidelines have been put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Please take a moment to review them, so everyone is prepared and ready for game time!
Thank you for your cooperation, and as always—Go Falcons!
Please click HERE to read through the guidelines.
Support Our Active Minds Club
Come on down to Local Jonny's on 10/30 from 5-8pm for some spooktacular Halloween activities and costume contest! Order food to help support Active Minds! Active Minds is a fairly new club at CSHS. The mission of Active Minds is to empower young adults to speak openly about mental health, reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking behavior, and providing support within our communities. We hope to see you there!
Community Partners Needed – Love Our Schools Day
Cactus Shadows High School is excited to participate in Love Our Schools Day on Saturday, November 15th. This year, our focus will be on campus beautification, specifically enhancing our landscaping and exploring the possibility of adding fencing at the Fieldhouse.
We are looking for community partners who are willing to spend time on campus that day to help us give our landscaping a much-needed clean up and refresh.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please complete this form: Love Our Schools Interest Form
Thank you for helping us make CSHS a more beautiful place for our students and community!
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 10/3/25
A Message From the Principal
Falcon Families,
We’ve wrapped up the first quarter of the school year—one down, three to go! Please take a moment to check in on your student’s progress through the PowerSchool parent portal. We don’t send out paper progress reports, so PowerSchool is the best way to see how things are going.
It’s been a great start to the year. Our students completed their first Horizon benchmark assessment, which helps guide instruction as we prepare for state testing later this year. And when we return from Fall Break, we’ll jump right into celebrating 40 Years of Falcon Magic with Homecoming week! If you’re a CSHS alum (or know one), we’d love to see you at the football game on Friday, October 17. Alumni can check in at the alumni table and join the halftime parade on the track—it’s a special way to celebrate being part of the Falcon family.
As we head into Fall Break, I hope everyone takes time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the things that bring you joy. When we come back, we’ll be ready to dive into Quarter 2 and finish the first semester strong. Remember, grades matter and now is the perfect time to connect with teachers if extra support is needed. We’re here to help every Falcon prepare for their next step—whether that’s enrolling, enlisting, or entering the workforce.
Enjoy your break—we can’t wait to see you back on campus, ready to soar into Quarter 2!
WE ARE FALCONS!
Falcon Plan:
- October 6th - 10th - Fall Break, NO SCHOOL.
- October 14th - Falcon Feast and Powder puff Game 7PM - 9PM
- October 16th - Homecoming Parade 10:45AM - 11:30AM
- October 17th - Civics Test
- October 17th - Homecoming Game - 7PM at Falcon Field
- October 18th - Homecoming Dane - 8PM - 10PM CSHS Blue Gym
Falcons Celebrate
Falcons, we have so much to celebrate this week! 🦅
We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our athletes show both on and off the field.
-
Girls Volleyball is off to an amazing start with a 9-1 record under the leadership of Coach Dumbrell.
-
Boys Golf dominated the Mustang Round-Up tournament on September 19th with a win, and then tied for first place in the Aguila Golf Tournament.
-
Girls Golf celebrated a very special Senior Day with Charlene Lamb last week—well deserved!
-
Football heads into their first regional game of the season this Friday, October 3rd at Desert Mountain, currently holding a 3-2 record.
-
Cross Country competed in the Twilight Desert Festival in Mesa with 250+ teams and 4,000 runners. The boys finished 21st out of 76 teams, with 4 Falcons achieving personal records. The girls ran in the 5K championship race, finishing 10th out of 24 teams, and 17 Falcons set personal records!
-
Falcon Swim competed at the Brophy Invitationals and qualified for the state meet based on their times. The girls scored 85 points, finishing 11th out of 38 teams, with a combined score of 85 points. which placed them 18th overall out of 38 schools.
Falcons, your hard work, dedication, and team spirit are inspiring. Keep soaring!
From the Attendance Office:
We are excited to share some great news! Our efforts to improve punctuality are paying off—tardies for the month of September dropped to 412 this year, compared to 839 last year. Thank you to our students, families, and staff for making timely arrival a priority. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Make-Up Work Policy
Reminder: As we approach the end of the first quarter, please remember that when a student is absent, they have two (2) days to make up any missed work or tests.
-
On the day of the absence, a zero will be entered in the gradebook so the student can see exactly where they stand.
-
That zero will remain until the work or test is completed within the two-day window.
-
This policy applies to all absences, including illness, family issues, sports, clubs, or any other school-related events.
Thank you for helping reinforce this expectation with your students.
Student Services
We are excited to share some upcoming Early College events and invite you and your students to participate. These sessions are designed to provide valuable resources, guidance, and opportunities for students considering early college pathways.
Upcoming dates include:
October 9th.
Each session will highlight key topics such as college readiness, early college opportunities, academic support, and strategies for maximizing success while earning college credit in high school.
Ask an Expert: FAFSA do’s and don’ts?
by Karli Greenfield
When completing the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, you may be asking yourself how to avoid mistakes. Or even more likely, you may be asking yourself, “What’s the easiest way to complete this thing?” If this is you, then you are certainly not alone, as the FAFSA has often been viewed as a daunting task for families. For those who are not aware, the FAFSA changed drastically last year, leaving families with more questions than ever. Let’s answer some of your questions by exploring some 2025-2026 FAFSA do’s and don’ts.
- DON’T pay to complete the FAFSA. Remember, it’s in the name – FREE Application for Federal Student Aid. There are some scam websites out there that claim to be the official “FAFSA” site, and will not only seek to steal your personal information, but will also ask for bank and/or credit card information in an attempt to charge you for submitting the application. Only submit the FAFSA on the secure StudentAid.gov website.
- DO submit the FAFSA in a timely manner. You should be seeking to complete the application now if you have not already. Some schools may award additional financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the FAFSA is complete, students will typically begin to receive information about complete financial aid eligibility for the year.
- DON’T complete the FAFSA for your student. While the FAFSA does contain information from both the parent and student (for dependent students), it is recommended to have your student begin the form, and then invite you (parent) as a contributor. Students and parents are required to have separate StudentAid.gov user accounts in order to fully submit the FAFSA.
- DO pay attention to college and state financial aid deadlines. Many schools and some states impose financial aid process deadlines, and require the FAFSA to be completed as a part of the process.
- DON’T forget to list all colleges of interest. In order to avoid having to submit a FAFSA correction, make sure to list all colleges your student is applying to (or is interested in) during the initial FAFSA submission. Your student can select up to 20 schools of interest. Remember, a college cannot receive your student’s FAFSA unless they are listed on the application.
- DO ask for help. Even though the recent FAFSA changes were intended to “simplify” the application, it can still be complicated for families, especially for first-time FAFSA completers. College financial aid counselors are typically apprised of FAFSA changes, tips, and insights. However, financial aid counselors won’t know that you are in need of help unless you reach out.
Karli Greenfield is a higher education financial aid and enrollment professional. She holds more than 12 years of experience in financial aid, 11 NASFAA Professional Financial Aid Credentials, and years of active participation on the GA Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators board. She is passionate about working with students and families, and innovating college enrollment processes.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
- Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline. Link will available soon.
- Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- Senior Picture Retakes: October 23rd
Falcons Athletics
September Athletes of the Month
We are proud to announce that Mary Mullenmeister and Owen Wackman have been selected as our September Athletes of the Month
Mary Mullenmeister – Cross Country
Nominated by Coach Powell
“Mary Mullenmeister is a freshman on the Varsity Cross Country team. She is a hard-working, dedicated student-athlete who gives her all on the course, the court, and in the classroom. Mary has quickly adjusted from the Middle School distance (2 miles) to the High School 5k (3.1 miles) and has burst onto the Cross Country scene with an impressive start to her career, immediately contributing to the team’s success.
Early-Season Highlights:
-
2nd Place (20:29.2) at The Duel in the Desert – 2nd Falcon, 1st Freshman
-
11th Place (20:54.21) at the Western Equinox XC Invite – 1st Falcon, 1st Freshman, competing among 21 teams and 188 Varsity runners
-
20th Place (19:39.8) at the Ojo Rojo Invitational – 1st Falcon, 1st Freshman, competing among 37 teams and 267 Varsity runners
“Mary is eager to learn, strives to improve, and is one of the most coachable athletes I have worked with. She is already the 2nd fastest freshman of all time at CSHS—and we are only halfway through the season!”
Owen Wackman – Golf
Nominated by Coach Taylor
“I’m happy to nominate Owen Wackman, a senior on the Boys Golf team, for Athlete of the Month. He is a four-year member of the golf team and, through hard work and discipline, has been a staple of the team since his freshman year.
Season Highlights (so far):
-
Five-time medalist
-
Six sub-par rounds
“Owen is a model of excellent play and a great leader for Falcon golf. His most important contribution, however, is as a friend and role model to his teammates. As a quiet leader and co-captain, Owen displays just the right balance of fire and competitiveness with sportsmanship. He is a two-time Falcon Award winner for good reason. He is an exceptional young man and golfer, worthy of Athlete of the Month recognition.”
Support Your Falcons- Grab your Falcon gear, bring the energy, and let’s pack the stands!
Falcon sports schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
Football Parking Passes -
Our first home varsity football game is right around the corner! Secure your parking spot by clicking here and get Ready for the 2025 football season! All Parking is in the FAC Parking lot.
Falcon Dance Team: Senior Night Air Grams
Celebrate your Senior in style!
Make Senior Night extra special by sending a heartfelt Air Gram during the big football game on October 30th.
-
$5 each
-
Personalized messages will be announced during the game
Scan the QR code to order today—don’t miss your chance to make your Senior feel celebrated!
Clear Bag Policy
Floyd says, "Don't forget our clear bag policy is in effect for all sporting events. If you would like to purchase a Falcon's bag.
Falcon Fans!
We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about CCUSD’s clear bag guidelines. These guidelines have been put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Please take a moment to review them, so everyone is prepared and ready for game time!
Thank you for your cooperation, and as always—Go Falcons!
Please click HERE to read through the guidelines.
Support Our Active Minds Club
Come on down to Local Jonny's on 10/30 from 5-8pm for some spooktacular Halloween activities and costume contest! Order food to help support Active Minds! Active Minds is a fairly new club at CSHS. The mission of Active Minds is to empower young adults to speak openly about mental health, reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking behavior, and providing support within our communities. We hope to see you there!
Community Partners Needed – Love Our Schools Day
Cactus Shadows High School is excited to participate in Love Our Schools Day on Saturday, November 15th. This year, our focus will be on campus beautification, specifically enhancing our landscaping and exploring the possibility of adding fencing at the Fieldhouse.
We are looking for community partners who are willing to spend time on campus that day to help us give our landscaping a much-needed clean up and refresh.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please complete this form: Love Our Schools Interest Form
Thank you for helping us make CSHS a more beautiful place for our students and community!
All Things Homecoming
Homecoming Parade & Float Building – Get Involved!
The homecoming buzz is in the air, and we are excited to host our Homecoming Parade for the 2nd year! As we all know, it takes a village to make these events a success, and that's where you come in.
Each float will be judged in a class competition for a chance to win half-off tickets to the next dance , the Spirit Stick, and of course, bragging rights!
Below is the timeline for our float build:
- Final Decorating Days: October 13th, & 15th from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM and
Parade Information:
The parade will take place in the morning prior to the homecoming assembly. We’ll also keep the school spirit alive with a smaller version of the parade during halftime at the homecoming game. It's going to be an exciting event, and we can't wait to have you join us!
Hope to see you there!
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 9/12/25
A Message From the Principal
Falcon Family,
What an exciting start to the school year! Our fall sports are in full swing, and our Falcons are shining both on and off the field. If you have the chance, I encourage you to come out and support our student-athletes in football, girls volleyball, boys and girls golf, and swim and dive. They are performing with excellence in the classroom and representing Cactus Shadows with pride in competition.
A big shout-out to our students for the noticeable improvements in tardies! More students are in class, on time, and ready to learn when the bell rings. This means fewer disruptions and more time focused on learning. In addition, our Falcons are doing an outstanding job wearing their IDs every day—thank you for helping keep our campus safe.
We also had our first Rally of the year, and Student Council did an amazing job! When one side of the bleachers couldn’t open, they pivoted quickly and kept the energy high. Falcon spirit was alive and well, and it set a great tone for the rest of the year.
The Falcon Field renovation is underway, and the progress looks incredible. The entire campus is buzzing with excitement about the opportunities our new field will bring to our students and community.
As we approach the end of Quarter 1, I encourage all students to stay on top of their grades, submit any missing work, and take advantage of office hours for extra support. Grades matter, and the choices students make now will have a lasting impact on their future plans.
Please continue reading this edition of the Falcon Flash for important updates on attendance, school safety, and upcoming events. And remember—the best place to get accurate, up-to-date information about CSHS is directly from the school. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the front office or call me directly with any questions.
We are better together, and I am so proud of the start we’ve had this year.
We ARE Falcons!
Supporting our Falcons
The new Falcon Field turf project is more than just a surface upgrade; it's a chance for our community to invest in an outstanding facility that will benefit our students and the entire community for years to come. As you know, our athletic programs are completely self-funded through the tireless work of parent boosters, team fundraisers, and athletic fees. This major capital project provides a unique opportunity for all of us to support the foundation of our athletic program and provide a first-class experience for our Falcons. If you would like to donate to the construction of our new field, please print and fill out the form below. You can drop off your donation at the CSHS front office or mail it to the school. We truly appreciate any and all support as we work together to provide a field our students can be proud of.
Falcon Plan:
- Thursday, September 18th - Coffee w/Counselors @ 9AM Lecture Hall
- Tuesday, September 30th - Horizon Testing
Welcome to CSHS
New Counselor over students with last name Q-X.
My name is Kevin Albertson, and I am the new counselor here at Cactus Shadows! I am from Portland, Oregon and I have moved out here with my wife and my 3 year old daughter, as well as 2 of our dogs. I have a Master's in School Counseling from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Eastern Oregon University. I am thrilled to help our students with their growth and needs in high school and beyond.
Falcons Celebrate
We are so excited to share photos of our CSHS Student of the Month, Raylee Sivers ! We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and leadership on campus. Keep soaring, Falcons—great job!
Dress Code
Dear Falcons and Families,
As we enjoy the warmer weather, we want to take a moment to kindly remind you of our school’s dress code policy. Our student handbook states that student attire may be regulated as necessary and appropriate to maintain order and decorum within the educational system and to avoid material and substantial interference with schoolwork or discipline.
Dressing appropriately and safely for the school day is important, especially in classes where students may be working with chemicals or food. While the warm weather often brings out different styles of dress, some attire can be too short or revealing for both our male and female students.
Our teachers and staff care deeply about the success of every student. We want to help them learn to be successful now and when they leave Cactus Shadows. By dressing appropriately, students are better able to focus on their learning and the important tasks at hand in the classroom.
We want to partner with you and ask for your support in helping your student make appropriate clothing choices for school. Together, we can create a learning environment where every student can be academically successful. Please see the district dress code policy below.
Thank you for your partnership and support.
Student Dress, Conduct, and Appearance (REF: Board Policy 5-301; 5-302)
Student attire may be regulated as necessary and appropriate to maintain order and decorum within the educational system and to avoid material and substantial interference with schoolwork or discipline. Attire may be prohibited when it: Significantly interferes with the District's ability to maintain order; such as disrupting schoolwork, school programs and activities, creates disorder, or prevents any student(s) from achieving educational objectives. Affects the health or safety of students, personnel or visitors. Conveys affiliation with a criminal street gang. Exposes the wearer's midriff, undergarments, or undergarment areas. Contains direct or implied obscene or threatening language, symbols or messages. Promotes or depicts the unlawful use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or weapons. Violates the constitutional rights of any other person(s). Is inconsistent with or prohibited by the course, program, or activity.
From the Attendance Office:
We are excited to share some encouraging news regarding our attendance initiatives at Cactus Shadows High School. Since the start of this school year, our updated attendance policies have had a positive impact on student punctuality and daily attendance. Thanks to your support and partnership, we have already seen a noticeable decrease in tardies and absences compared to last year. In August of 2024, we recorded 529 students tardy to their first-hour class. This year, we are proud to report that the number has dropped significantly to 211. Students are arriving to class on time more consistently, which helps create a stronger learning environment for everyone. We are also pleased to report that the new parking procedures have been very successful. Students and parents have shared that arrivals are now more efficient, reducing congestion and making it easier for students to get to school on time. A smoother start to the day is helping reinforce our goals for strong attendance and punctuality.
Just as importantly, our teachers are noticing the difference these changes are making in classrooms:
- Fewer students are walking in late, which means less disruption during critical instruction.
- Teachers report that mornings “feel completely different,” with students arriving prepared and ready to learn.
- Seniors in particular, who previously struggled with first-hour tardies, are now arriving on time and setting a positive tone for the class.
- Many teachers shared that they are able to begin class without delay, creating more time for instruction and meaningful student engagement.
- Overall, classrooms are calmer, more focused, and students are demonstrating greater accountability for their learning.
The feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are already seeing how these changes are reshaping campus culture in a way that benefits both students and teachers. Thank you for your continued commitment to CSHS and to the success of our students. We look forward to building on this momentum throughout the year. We would also greatly value your feedback. Please take a moment to share your thoughts by completing the brief feedback form linked below. Your perspective, whether it is a suggestion, a question, or simply a note of support, will help us continue to strengthen our attendance and tardy procedures and support the success of every CSHS student. Response Form
KEEPING CSHS A DRUG-FREE ZONE
We want to take a moment to remind our school community of the importance of keeping our campus a safe, healthy, and drug-free environment for all students. Recently, we have become aware of students bringing and sharing caffeine pills and pouches on school grounds. While these may appear harmless, they fall under our Drug Free Zone policy and are not permitted on campus or at any school-related event.
Our Drug Free Zone extends beyond campus to include:
- To and from school, all district property, and school-sponsored activities.
- The use, possession, distribution, or sale of non-prescribed drugs, drug paraphernalia, controlled substances, simulated drugs, tobacco or simulated tobacco products (such as electronic cigarettes or hookah pens), alcohol, supplements, or any illegal contraband.
Sharing or distributing any unauthorized substances to other students may result in serious disciplinary action, including a recommendation for an expulsion hearing.
Please remember:
- Students are not allowed to carry any medication (including Tylenol, Midol, cough drops, or other over-the-counter items).
- All medications must be kept and dispensed through the Health Office with written parent/guardian permission.
- Prescription medications require a completed request form and must be in their original container, labeled with the student’s name.
- The only exceptions are inhalers for asthma and epipens for severe allergic reactions as long as appropriate paperwork has been completed in the Health Office.
How You Can Help
- Talk with your student about the dangers of sharing or taking any medication—even common over-the-counter items—from others.
- Remind them that bringing caffeine pills, pouches, or similar substances to school is not allowed.
- If your student requires medication during the school day, please work with our Health Office staff to ensure it is handled safely.
We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment where all students can focus on learning. If you have any questions about this policy or need assistance with medication arrangements, please contact the school Health Office.
Together, we can help keep our school a safe and supportive place for every student.
Announcement From The Health Office
Immunization records:
Every student must have complete immunization records to be admitted. The Health Office will reach out to the parents of students who are currently non-compliant. Please at your earliest convenience, submit the necessary records or waiver. As of September 15th any student who is non compliant will not be allowed to attend school without the necessary documents. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Thank you.
Angel Dittberner, BSN, RN, NCSN
Student Services
We are excited to share some upcoming Early College events and invite you and your students to participate. These sessions are designed to provide valuable resources, guidance, and opportunities for students considering early college pathways.
Upcoming dates include:
September 24th
September 30th
October 9th.
Each session will highlight key topics such as college readiness, early college opportunities, academic support, and strategies for maximizing success while earning college credit in high school.
Dual Enrollment Information - Fall 2025
We’re excited to welcome families back and share key updates for Dual Enrollment this year in partnership with Paradise Valley Community College.
Important Dates:
-
Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 21, 2025: Registration deadline for the fall semester
-
Grant Deadline: If you've registered for dual enrollment this year, you only have a couple more weeks to apply for the Maricopa Grant. The Maricopa Grant Program is offered to eligible Arizona high school students attending Maricopa Community Colleges in Dual Enrollment courses. It is a form of tuition assistance available to those students who demonstrate financial need. Proof of financial need does not guarantee funding and awarding of the Maricopa Grant is based on the availability of funds. The application priority deadline is September 22, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. Please be advised that notification of award or denial will be sent via email after an eligibility evaluation.
If you have any questions, please email dual.enrollment@
paradisevalley.edu or call 602-493-2600.
-
Payment Deadline: Sunday, September 28, 2025: Payment deadline for the fall semester
Upcoming Events:
-
Dual Enrollment Registration Day: September 5, 2025 (for students and parents)
-
PVCC will be doing presentations to Dual Enrollment classes on August 13th. The classes are Honors Biology, Honors Spanish III, Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, College Math, AP Calculus A/B, and English 101 this year.
For more information, visit paradisevalley.edu/dual or email dual.enrollment@
Thank you for supporting our students! More details will be shared as events approach.
Testing Information
PSAT/NMSQT Test Information for sophomores and juniors
- Date: October 22, 2025
- Location: Grey Gym, CSHS
- Cost: $30
- Doors Open: 7:15 AM
- Test Start: 8:00 AM (sharp)
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (including breaks)
- End Time: 11:30 AM
- After the Test: Students will attend their normal scheduled classes
Registration Process
Step 1: Register using this link: PSAT
Step 2: Pay the $30 exam fee on your PowerSchool portal or in the bookstore
- Registration Deadline: October 10th
- Note: Please complete the Google form in full. There are no refunds for PSAT exams, so register carefully.
Financial Assistance & Accommodations
- Financial Assistance: Contact Christy Pine for questions about financial assistance or test details.
- Accommodations: Requests should be channeled through the counseling department.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
- Senior year can get busy real fast! We encourage you to stay organized and on top of your schedule with the Senior Timeline. Link will available soon.
- Please note that dates and times are subject to change. We will notify parents of any updates.
- ASU Barrett Honors College Prep Visit: September 15th, 11:00AM in the lecture hall (there will be a QR code to sign up on.)
- Senior Sunrise: September 26th, 5:30 AM - 7:00 AM. The location is TBD
- Jostens Senior Meeting: October 2nd, 7:15AM -1:00 PM (During their Gov/Econ Class)
- Senior Picture Retakes: October 23rd
Lunchtime Visits
Below you’ll find our September schedule of visits from colleges, universities, and military recruiters who will be on campus during lunchtime at Cactus Shadows. These visits provide valuable opportunities for students to connect, ask questions, and explore their post-secondary options—whether that’s employment, education, or enlistment.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will be holding an Admissions Information Meeting for prospective students and their families on Saturday, Sept. 27th at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort from 1-2:30pm.
The Phoenix Admissions Officer for the Prescott campus will be giving a multimedia presentation discussing Embry-Riddle’s world-class STEM-focused degree programs, career outcomes, scholarships/financial aid, etc. There will also be an extensive Q&A session after the presentation with Admissions staff, current students, parents, and alumni.
As a special guest, Prescott 2016 graduate Arthur Barriault (SpaceX Senior Space Operations Engineer) will be sharing about how Embry-Riddle helped him reach this history-making aerospace organization.
Embry-Riddle has extremely high employment rates and return on investment in fields like engineering, Space Physics, intelligence studies, cyber security, biology, flight and much more!
Any interested students and their families are invited! Light refreshments will be served. (The event is FREE!)
Hilton Scottsdale Resort
6333 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Saturday, Sept. 27th
1-2:30pm
(Kiva Ballroom)
Please RSVP at: https://erau.edu/
Falcons Athletics
Fall Sports Are Here! The Falcons are fired up and ready for an awesome season, and we want YOU in the stands! Grab your blue and white, bring the energy, and come cheer on our teams.
Football -
We had a fantastic first home/away football game at North Canyon High School! Thank you to all of our fans for showing up, bringing the energy, and cheering on our Falcons.
A special thank-you to everyone who helped make the transition seamless and created a true “home away from home” atmosphere. Go Falcons!
Our
FR/SO Football team Dominated at their 9/10 Game against Eastmark. Defensive ends Jackson Trocino and Kasen Broeker both scored defensive touchdowns.
Cross Country – Western Equinox XC Invite (11/5)
The Falcons battled heat, humidity, and a tough course at the Western Equinox XC Invite.
-
Boys Varsity: 13th of 36 teams – top finisher: Broderick M. (18:39.9, 45th)
-
Freshman Boys: 4th of 14 – top finisher: Broden C. (23rd)
-
Girls Varsity: 5th of 21 – top finishers: Mary M. (11th), Allison R. (16th, 2nd medal)
-
New PRs: Caden K. & Bobby H.
Falcons of the Week:
MJ Rock – Solo in the Open race, showed focus and helped the Frosh boys prepare.
Mary Mullenmeister – In only her 2nd HS meet, finished 11th, first Falcon and first Freshman across the Varsity line.
Boys Golf -
Congratulations to Kaj Johnston, who won the Chandler City Junior Golf Championship at Whirlwind (Devil’s Claw course). Kaj shot an impressive 68-65 (11-under) to take the JGAA tournament title!
Support Your Falcons- Grab your Falcon gear, bring the energy, and let’s pack the stands! Falcon sports schedules can be found on our sports webpages as well as our school's calendar.
Football Parking Passes -
Our first home varsity football game is right around the corner! Secure your parking spot by clicking here and get Ready for the 2025 football season! All Parking is in the FAC Parking lot.
Clear Bag Policy
Floyd says, "Don't forget our clear bag policy is in effect for all sporting events.
Falcon Fans!
We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about CCUSD’s clear bag guidelines. These guidelines have been put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Please take a moment to review them, so everyone is prepared and ready for game time!
Thank you for your cooperation, and as always—Go Falcons!
Please click HERE to read through the guidelines.
All Things Homecoming
Homecoming Parade & Float Building – Get Involved!
The homecoming buzz is in the air, and we are excited to host our Homecoming Parade for the 2nd year! As we all know, it takes a village to make these events a success, and that's where you come in.
Each float will be judged in a class competition for a chance to win half-off tickets to the next dance , the Spirit Stick, and of course, bragging rights!
Below is the timeline for our float build:
- Decorating Days: September 29th - October 3rd from 5:30- 7:30 PM
- Final Decorating Days: October 13th, & 15th from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM and
Parade Information:
The parade will take place in the morning prior to the homecoming assembly. We’ll also keep the school spirit alive with a smaller version of the parade during halftime at the homecoming game. It's going to be an exciting event, and we can't wait to have you join us!
Hope to see you there!
Community Partners Needed – Love Our Schools Day
Cactus Shadows High School is excited to participate in Love Our Schools Day on Saturday, November 15th. This year, our focus will be on campus beautification, specifically enhancing our landscaping and exploring the possibility of adding fencing at the Fieldhouse.
We are looking for community partners who are willing to spend time on campus that day to help us give our landscaping a much-needed clean up and refresh.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please complete this form: Love Our Schools Interest Form
Thank you for helping us make CSHS a more beautiful place for our students and community!
Parent Drop-Off Reminder:
To help keep our students safe and ensure smooth traffic flow, please use only the staff parking lot or the front office roundabout for drop-offs. The student parking lot is not a designated drop-off area—please do not enter it to drop off or park to wait for your student. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
A Reminder for Student Drivers: Drive Safely!
As students come onto campus in the morning and head off campus at the end of their school day, we want to remind everyone to drive safely and be mindful of pedestrians. A community member recently shared concerns about student drivers speeding through the roundabout at 64th and Dove Valley, some not noticing pedestrians waiting to cross. They also mentioned that several students didn't notice them in the crosswalk because they were on their cell phones.
Many people—families with young children, cyclists, and older adults—use these crosswalks daily, and we all play a part in keeping our community safe. Parents, we appreciate your help in reminding students about safe driving habits, including following speed limits, staying off phones, and watching for pedestrians.
Dizzy Coffee Co.
We are excited to welcome Dizzy Coffee Co. to our campus! Beginning Friday, September 19th, and continuing every third Friday, they will be out front of the school selling delicious coffee and treats to both students and staff. The best part is that 10% of all sales will be donated back to CSHS Student Council. Be sure to stop by, grab a treat, and show your support for CSHS!
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 8/29/25
A Message From the Principal
What an incredible week it’s been to be a Falcon!
We have fantastic news to celebrate: our Governing Board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the replacement of the turf at Falcon Field! This is a huge win for our entire community, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future of our home field.
With this exciting update, our Student Council—who has worked tirelessly on all of our Homecoming activities—wants to ensure everything is ready for our 40 Years of Falcon Magic Homecoming celebration. To make sure we can host the game and festivities on our brand-new field, StuCo has requested to move Homecoming to the week of October 13, when we’ll take on Notre Dame in a televised matchup that will also be featured as the Friday Night Lights Game of the Week! While this adjustment may require a little flexibility, our students are thrilled about the opportunity to make history on our new turf.
It’s hard to believe we’ve already wrapped up Week 4! This is a great time for all students to check their progress in classes; we encourage student-athletes to check in with their teachers, as athletic grade checks will take place next week. Remember—our Falcons are students first, and we want to ensure everyone is passing their classes and eligible to compete.
There’s so much to look forward to in the coming weeks. Next Thursday, we’ll kick off the year with our Big Blue Rally, and our fall sports are entering an exciting stretch of their seasons. We are so proud of our Falcons for wearing their IDs, getting to class on time, and showing responsibility each day. We appreciate your continued support in helping students follow the dress code as well.
It is truly a blessing to serve at a school with such outstanding students and teachers, where every decision centers on what’s best for kids. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are always happy to meet and talk. I encourage you to rely on our official communications or schedule a meeting with us directly to have your questions answered. We are here to ensure every Falcon finds success at CSHS.
Enjoy the long weekend—we’ll see everyone back on campus Tuesday, September 2!
Supporting Our Falcons
The new Falcon Field turf project is more than just a surface upgrade; it's a chance for our community to invest in an outstanding facility that will benefit our students and the entire community for years to come. As you know, our athletic programs are completely self-funded through the tireless work of parent boosters, team fundraisers, and athletic fees. This major capital project provides a unique opportunity for all of us to support the foundation of our athletic program and provide a first-class experience for our Falcons. If you would like to donate to the construction of our new field, please print and fill out the form below. You can drop off your donation at the CSHS front office or mail it to the school. We truly appreciate any and all support as we work together to provide a field our students can be proud of.
Falcon Plan:
- Labor Day - NO School - September 1st
- Big Blue Pep Rally - September 4th
Student Dress, Conduct, and Appearance (REF: Board Policy 5-301; 5-302)
Student attire may be regulated as necessary and appropriate to maintain order and decorum within the educational system and to avoid
material and substantial interference with schoolwork or discipline. Attire may be prohibited when it: Significantly interferes with the District's ability to maintain order; such as disrupting schoolwork, school programs and activities, creates disorder, or prevents any student(s) from achieving educational objectives. Affects the health or safety of students, personnel or visitors. Conveys affiliation with a criminal street gang. Exposes the wearer's midriff, undergarments, or undergarment areas. Contains direct or implied obscene or threatening language, symbols or messages. Promotes or depicts the unlawful use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or weapons. Violates the constitutional rights of any other person(s). Is inconsistent with or prohibited by the course, program, or activity.
From the Attendance Office:
To help parents and families better understand the new attendance and tardy policies, we have reattached the link for your convenience to review the updated procedures for the 2025–2026 school year. We encourage you to take a moment to read through the information, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification.
Attendance & Early Release Procedures (CSHS):
-
No student releases within 30 minutes of dismissal.
-
All students must check out through the attendance office using Kid Account for absences to be excused.
-
Only emergency contacts with photo ID may sign out a student.
-
Student drivers require a parent call 2 hours in advance.
Dual Enrollment Information - Fall 2025
We’re excited to welcome families back and share key updates for Dual Enrollment this year in partnership with Paradise Valley Community College.
Important Dates:
-
Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 21, 2025: Registration deadline for the fall semester
-
Grant Deadline: Monday, September 22, 2025: Grant deadline for the fall semester
-
Payment Deadline: Sunday, September 28, 2025: Payment deadline for the fall semester
Upcoming Events:
-
Dual Enrollment Registration Day: September 5, 2025 (for students and parents)
-
PVCC will be doing presentations to Dual Enrollment classes on August 13th. The classes are Honors Biology, Honors Spanish III, Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, College Math, AP Calculus A/B, and English 101 this year.
For more information, visit paradisevalley.edu/dual or email dual.enrollment@
Thank you for supporting our students! More details will be shared as events approach.
Testing Information
PSAT/NMSQT Test Information for sophomores and juniors
- Date: October 22, 2025
- Location: Grey Gym, CSHS
- Cost: $30
- Doors Open: 7:15 AM
- Test Start: 8:00 AM (sharp)
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (including breaks)
- End Time: 11:30 AM
- After the Test: Students will attend their normal scheduled classes
Registration Process
Step 1: Register using this link: PSAT
Step 2: Pay the $30 exam fee on your PowerSchool portal or in the bookstore
- Registration Deadline: October 10th
- Note: Please complete the Google form in full. There are no refunds for PSAT exams, so register carefully.
Financial Assistance & Accommodations
- Financial Assistance: Contact Christy Pine for questions about financial assistance or test details.
- Accommodations: Requests should be channeled through the counseling department.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
- Senior Pictures: September 10th and 11th
- UofA College Prep Visit: September 11th , 11:15AM in the cafeteria
- ASU Barrett Honors College Prep Visit: September 15th, 11:00AM in the lecture hall (there will be a QR code to sign up on.)
- Jostens Senior Meeting: October 2nd, 7:15AM -1:00 PM (During their Gov/Econ Class)
- Senior Picture Retakes: October 23rd
Lunchtime Visits
Below you’ll find our September schedule of visits from colleges, universities, and military recruiters who will be on campus during lunchtime at Cactus Shadows. These visits provide valuable opportunities for students to connect, ask questions, and explore their post-secondary options—whether that’s employment, education, or enlistment.
Falcons Athletics
Fall Athletics – Aktivate (Register My Athlete) Registration Required
Register or log in at: www.registermyathlete.com
If you need assistance, please contact the Athletics Department:
Sara Thompson – (480) 575-2458
Don’t delay—get registered today!
Fall Sports Are Here!
The Falcons are fired up for an incredible season, and we want YOU in the stands! Come cheer on:
-
Football -
Girls Volleyball -
Swim -
Cross Country -
Boys Golf -
Girls Golf
-
Cheer -
Falcon Dance Team/ Pom
Grab your Falcon gear, bring the energy, and let’s pack the stands! 
Don’t miss a game!
Game schedules for all teams can be found on the Cactus Shadows Athletic Calendar
or...
Fall Sports Are Here! The Falcons are fired up and ready for an awesome season, and we want YOU in the stands! Grab your blue and white, bring the energy, and come cheer on our teams. Check out the full game schedules on the Cactus Shadows Athletic Calendar https://cshs.ccusd93.
Don’t miss a game!
We are thrilled to announce that our Falcons will soon have a brand-new field! Take a look at the incredible progress below—we can’t wait to see our students and athletes out there representing with pride.
A Note from the Health Office:
Immunization records:
Every student must have complete immunization records to be admitted. The Health Office will reach out to the parents of students who are currently non-compliant. Please at your earliest convenience, submit the necessary records or waiver. As of September 15 any student who is non compliant will not be allowed to attend school without the necessary documents. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel
free to contact us.
Thank you.
Community Partners Needed – Love Our Schools Day
Cactus Shadows High School is excited to participate in Love Our Schools Day on Saturday, November 15th. This year, our focus will be on campus beautification, specifically enhancing our landscaping and exploring the possibility of adding fencing at the Fieldhouse.
We are looking for community partners who are willing to spend time on campus that day to help us give our landscaping a much-needed clean up and refresh.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please complete this form: Love Our Schools Interest Form
Thank you for helping us make CSHS a more beautiful place for our students and community!
Parent Drop-Off Reminder:
To help keep our students safe and ensure smooth traffic flow, please use only the staff parking lot or the front office roundabout for drop-offs. The student parking lot is not a designated drop-off area—please do not enter it to drop off or park to wait for your student. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
A Reminder for Student Drivers: Drive Safely!
As students come onto campus in the morning and head off campus at the end of their school day, we want to remind everyone to drive safely and be mindful of pedestrians. A community member recently shared concerns about student drivers speeding through the roundabout at 64th and Dove Valley, some not noticing pedestrians waiting to cross. They also mentioned that several students didn't notice them in the crosswalk because they were on their cell phones.
Many people—families with young children, cyclists, and older adults—use these crosswalks daily, and we all play a part in keeping our community safe. Parents, we appreciate your help in reminding students about safe driving habits, including following speed limits, staying off phones, and watching for pedestrians.
Dizzy Coffee Co.
We are excited to welcome Dizzy Coffee Co. to our campus! Beginning Friday, September 19th, and continuing every third Friday, they will be out front of the school selling delicious coffee and treats to both students and staff. The best part is that 10% of all sales will be donated back to CSHS Student Council. Be sure to stop by, grab a treat, and show your support for CSHS!
Introducing the Weekly Sheriff's Cadet Program
The Holland Center and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office are excited to introduce a new opportunity for your students: the Sheriff's Cadet Program, a weekly initiative designed to engage youth in leadership, public service, and community safety. This program is hosted in partnership with the MCSO Sheriff's Department and will take place every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at The Holland Center in Cave Creek.
The Cadet Program offers students specialized law enforcement training, leadership development activities, team-building exercises, and insight into careers in public safety. It's ideal for students who show interest in civic engagement, law enforcement, or simply want to build confidence and discipline in a structured environment.
We would love your support in sharing this opportunity with your students and families. MCSO Deputy Kyra Rodriguez is the lead contact for this program and is excited to offer this program in our area. Her information is one of the flyers.
Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you for your community partnership.
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Falcon Flash 8/15/25
A Message From the Principal
What a great start to the year at CSHS!
Our students really got back into the groove last week, and this week Mr. Morgan, Mr. Schnee, Mrs. Pine, and I had the chance to join Mrs. Hanson’s physics classes for the famous egg drop challenge. I mentioned to the students that with all the balloons they used in their designs I felt like I was in the movie, UP. We only had a few designs that had to go back to the drawing board after their eggs didn’t quite survive the fall—but the creativity and problem-solving were incredible to see!
We’re also proud to share that our Falcons are doing a much better job getting to school on time. As a school, we are focusing on creating the best environment possible for students to learn and thrive academically. Being a Falcon means something—and our students are rising to the expectations.
Monday, we are excited to welcome all parents and guardians to campus for Meet the Teacher Night on Monday, 8/18, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. Please see the details below.
It is truly an honor to serve as principal of such amazing students and to work alongside such dedicated teachers. Together, we continue to rise above.
We ARE FALCONS!
📣 Meet the Teacher Night
Monday, August 18 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Join us for an evening to walk through your student’s schedule, meet their teachers, and learn how they’ll find success this school year! Please bring access to your student’s schedule through the PowerSchool App. The evening begins in your student’s 1st-hour class and will follow the set schedule below.
🕒 Evening Schedule
-
5:30–5:40 – 1st Hour
-
5:45–5:55 – 2nd Hour
-
6:00–6:10 – 3rd Hour
-
6:15–6:25 – 4th Hour
-
6:30–6:40 – 5th Hour
-
6:45–6:55 – 6th Hour
✅ Parent Checklist
-
📱 Download & log in to the PowerSchool App to view your student’s schedule
-
🚪 Start in your student’s 1st-hour classroom
-
⏰ Follow the timed schedule (not an open house format)
-
🦺 Look for students in neon vests if you need help finding classrooms
Falcon Plan:
- Meet the Teacher Night - August 18th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM
- Labor Day - NO School - September 1st
- Big Blue Pep Rally - September 4th
- First Falcon Home Football Game - September 5th, @ 7:00PM
From the Attendance Office:
Tired of waiting for the attendance line to ramble off that long winded message? Now you can skip the wait! Simply report your student’s absence by emailing the attendance office through your ParentSquare account.
Tardy Numbers Are Down — Great Job, Students!
We’re excited to share some great news — tardies have dropped significantly compared to last year! By this time in 2024, we had recorded 158 tardies, and this year, we’re down to just 77. A big thank you to our students, parents, and staff for helping us start each day on time and ready to learn. Let’s keep the momentum going!
CSHS 2025–2026 Attendance & Tardy Policy
Effective August 4, 2025 | In alignment with the CCUSD93 Student Handbook
Excused Absences
An absence will be excused only if one of the following occurs:
-
Parent/guardian signs student in at the Attendance Office
-
Medical documentation is provided within 24 hours of the absence
-
Parent/guardian calls within 24 hours of the absence
Tardies
-
More than 10 minutes late to periods 2–6 = Marked Absent
-
Phone calls or notes will NOT be accepted to excuse tardies
-
Tardies can only be excused with parent sign-in or medical documentation
-
First Hour Tardy (unexcused) = Same-day Lunch Detention
Progressive Discipline – All Periods Combined
-
5 Tardies – Warning
-
8 Tardies – Lunch Detention
-
10 Tardies – After-School Detention
-
15 Tardies – Saturday Detention
-
16+ Tardies – Assistant Principal’s discretion
Absences (Per Class Period)
-
5 – Warning / Parent Contact
-
8 – Attendance Contract (signed/returned)
-
10 – No credit for the class
-
12+ – Assistant Principal’s discretion
Note: Excessive absences/tardies may affect parking privileges.
Sign-Out Procedures
-
No sign-outs within 30 minutes of dismissal (K–12)
-
All students must check out through the Attendance Office using Kid Account
-
Only emergency contacts in PowerSchool with valid photo ID may sign out students
-
Student drivers: Parent call required 2 hours in advance for early release
Topics From Ed Services:
Course Changes & Academic Updates
Course change requests are now closed. At this time, CSHS will not be approving any requests to take courses off campus until further notice, as we work on revamping and improving our process. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.
If you are experiencing challenges in a class, please start by working directly with your teacher. Open and collaborative communication can often help clarify concerns and lead to solutions. If the issue remains unresolved after this step, you may then connect with your counselor or an administrator for further support.
We are excited to share that college, university, and military representatives will soon begin visiting our campus to meet with students. These visits are a great opportunity to learn more about your future options, ask questions, and make connections. Be sure to watch the Falcon Flash for dates, times, and sign-up instructions so you don’t miss out.
PVCC Dual Enrollment sign-ups will take place on 8/25 and 9/5 during the school day for students enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes. PVCC representatives visited classrooms today to share information about this opportunity, which allows students to earn college credit for courses such as AP Calculus, Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, College Math, English 101, Honors Spanish III, and Honors Biology.
Dual Enrollment Information - Fall 2025
We’re excited to welcome families back and share key updates for Dual Enrollment this year in partnership with Paradise Valley Community College.
Important Dates:
-
Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 21, 2025
-
Grant Deadline: Monday, September 22, 2025
-
Payment Deadline: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Upcoming Events:
-
Open House Table: August 18, 2025
-
Virtual Info Session: August 27, 2025
-
Dual Enrollment Registration Day: September 5, 2025 (for students and parents)
-
PVCC will be doing presentations to Dual Enrollment classes on August 13th. The classes are Honors Biology, Honors Spanish III, Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, College Math, AP Calculus A/B, and English 101 this year.
For more information, visit paradisevalley.edu/dual or email dual.enrollment@
Thank you for supporting our students! More details will be shared as events approach.
Testing Information
PSAT/NMSQT Test Information for sophomores and juniors
- Date: October 22, 2025
- Location: Grey Gym, CSHS
- Cost: $30
- Doors Open: 7:15 AM
- Test Start: 8:00 AM (sharp)
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (including breaks)
- End Time: 11:30 AM
- After the Test: Students will attend their normal scheduled classes
Registration Process
Step 1: Register using this link: PSAT
Step 2: Pay the $30 exam fee on your PowerSchool portal or in the bookstore
- Registration Deadline: October 10th
- Note: Please complete the Google form in full. There are no refunds for PSAT exams, so register carefully.
Financial Assistance & Accommodations
- Financial Assistance: Contact Christy Pine for questions about financial assistance or test details.
- Accommodations: Requests should be channeled through the counseling department.
Health Office Notice
Information on state required hearing and vision screenings:
Hearing and Vision screenings are generally initiated at the beginning of the school year but
continue as needed throughout the year in conjunction with the Arizona State Law and
Department of Health Guidelines for multiple grades. Screenings performed in the health office
are not equivalent to a comprehensive hearing/ear or vision/eye exam. If you have any
questions please contact your school’s health office. If you wish to opt your student out, please contact the Health Office at 480-575-2402.
Immunization records:
Every student must have complete immunization records to be admitted. The Health Office will reach out to the parents of students who are currently non-compliant. Please at your earliest convenience, submit the necessary records or waiver. As of September 15 any student who is non compliant will not be allowed to attend school without the necessary documents. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Thank you.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
- Senior Pictures: September 10th and 11th (more information to follow)
- Jostens Senior Meeting: October 2nd, 7:15AM -1:00 PM (During their Gov/Econ Class)
- Senior Picture Retakes: October 23rd
- UofA College Prep Visit: September 11th , 11:15AM in the cafeteria
- ASU Barrett Honors College Prep Visit: September 15th, 11:00AM in the lecture hall (there will be a QR code to sign up on.)
Falcons Athletics
Fall Athletics – Aktivate (Register My Athlete) Registration Required
Attention students and parents:
Please make sure you are completing the Aktivate (Register My Athlete) registration for all Fall Athletics. Students-Athletes cannot participate in tryouts, practices, or competitions until registration is complete.
Register or log in at: www.registermyathlete.com
If you need assistance, please contact the Athletics Department:
Sara Thompson – (480) 575-2458
Don’t delay—get registered today!
Varsity Football Scrimmage vs Sandra O'Connor
Wednesday, August 20th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Come out and support our Falcons as they kick off the season!
August 21st -Mandatory Student / Coaches Meeting
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
WANTED: A New Floyd the Falcon!
Think you’ve got the energy, personality, and moves to hype up the crowd? The Cactus Shadows Dance Team is looking for our next Floyd the Falcon — and this isn’t just any mascot gig.
Join us for Game Day State in November (full-on competition vibes 
)
Travel with us to Disney World in Florida in February 
Perform with the team in the Game Day Division — not just watch from the sidelines
Be the face of school spirit 
Step into the feathers. Make the crowd roar. Be Floyd.
Parent Drop-Off Reminder:
To help keep our students safe and ensure smooth traffic flow, please use only the staff parking lot or the front office roundabout for drop-offs. The student parking lot is not a designated drop-off area—please do not enter it to drop off or park to wait for your student. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
A Reminder for Student Drivers: Drive Safely!
As students come onto campus in the morning and head off campus at the end of their school day, we want to remind everyone to drive safely and be mindful of pedestrians. A community member recently shared concerns about student drivers speeding through the roundabout at 64th and Dove Valley, some not noticing pedestrians waiting to cross. They also mentioned that several students didn't notice them in the crosswalk because they were on their cell phones.
Many people—families with young children, cyclists, and older adults—use these crosswalks daily, and we all play a part in keeping our community safe. Parents, we appreciate your help in reminding students about safe driving habits, including following speed limits, staying off phones, and watching for pedestrians.
Introducing the Weekly Sheriff's Cadet Program
The Holland Center and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office are excited to introduce a new opportunity for your students: the Sheriff's Cadet Program, a weekly initiative designed to engage youth in leadership, public service, and community safety. This program is hosted in partnership with the MCSO Sheriff's Department and will take place every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at The Holland Center in Cave Creek.
The Cadet Program offers students specialized law enforcement training, leadership development activities, team-building exercises, and insight into careers in public safety. It's ideal for students who show interest in civic engagement, law enforcement, or simply want to build confidence and discipline in a structured environment.
We would love your support in sharing this opportunity with your students and families. MCSO Deputy Kyra Rodriguez is the lead contact for this program and is excited to offer this program in our area. Her information is one of the flyers.
Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you for your community partnership.
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office
Useful Links
Back to School Edition 8/1/25
A Message From the Principal
Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year!
We are so excited to welcome you back to campus for what is sure to be an incredible year! Our Falcon staff has been working hard to ensure a smooth start, and we can’t wait to see you back in the classrooms, hallways, and campus events.
A few reminders as we kick off the first week:
-
Check Your Schedule: Be sure to check PowerSchool on Monday morning for the most up-to-date version of your schedule. Occasionally, minor adjustments are made over the weekend to balance class sizes and staffing.
-
Plan for Traffic: The first week tends to bring heavier traffic around campus. Please plan ahead to arrive on time and reduce stress during morning drop-off. Classes begin at 7:15am.
-
Come Prepared: Bring a notebook and something to write with on the first day. You will receive a course syllabus in each class that outlines the specific materials you’ll need moving forward.
We are grateful to have you as part of the Falcon community—it truly is a special place filled with outstanding students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. Let’s make this year one to remember!
Welcome back, Falcons!
Mrs. Barela
CSHS 25-26 Administration
From Left to right: Jason Schnee, Assistant Principal Ed Services, Sarah Barela, Principal, Rob Gilmore, Assistant Principal Athletic Director, RJ Morgan, Assistant Principal Student Activities
Falcon Plan:
- Picture Day - August 7th
- Meet the Teacher Night - August 18th
From the District:
Superintendent's Student Cadre
Are you a CSHS student who wants to make a difference? Join the Superintendent's Student Cadre! Superintendent Bill Dolezal invites students from Cactus Shadows High School to meet with him and Mrs. Sarah Barela, CSHS Principal, once per month, to discuss important topics impacting CSHS, the district, and the community. These meetings are designed as open conversations - your voice matters. Whether it's a concern, celebration, or new idea, students and the Superintendent will bring forward topics for discussion. Want to learn more? Click here. Interested in joining? Fill out the form at the bottom of the web page. Questions? Contact Jill Machin at 480-575-2016.
Student ID Information:
In the CCUSD, student safety continues to be our top priority and wearing visible identification (ID cards) plays a crucial role in maintaining a secure environment. As we prepare for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, below emphasizes the importance of all kindergarten through 12th grade students wearing their ID cards while using school transportation and on school grounds.
- Identification and Security: ID cards help our staff quickly identify individuals who belong on school premises. This is particularly important in emergency situations or when we have visitors on campus.
- Access Control: ID cards will be incorporated into purchasing lunch, checking out books, and moving from one location to another on some campuses.
- Attendance and Accountability: Wearing IDs helps us accurately track attendance, especially during emergencies and drills. It also encourages a sense of responsibility amongst students for their own safety and well-being.
- Community Standards: By wearing IDs, students contribute to a positive school culture where safety and respect for rules are valued.
We kindly request your support in ensuring that your child wears their ID card visibly (around neck and on a lanyard) while on school property. This small measure significantly enhances our ability to maintain a secure and orderly learning environment.
All K-12th grade students will be provided their first ID free of cost. If the ID needs to be replaced, students will need to pay $5 for a replacement ID. For younger students, consider purchasing a breakaway lanyard.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to the safety of our students. Together, we can create a supportive environment where every child can thrive with safety being first and foremost.
Why ID's?
Safety and Security: ID badges allow school staff to quickly identify who belongs on campus and who doesn’t. This can help prevent unauthorized individuals from entering school grounds, thus keeping students safe. In the event of an emergency (e.g., evacuation or lockdown), having students wear ID badges helps staff quickly account for everyone, especially if we have visitors or subs on campus where we can get the right information quickly.
If a student would need medical assistance, ID’s help our school staff quickly identify the student and access their information ensuring a faster response. Ie- students are on playground, at lunch, etc. where a staff member may not know the student as well as their homeroom teacher.
ID badges can also foster a sense of belonging. All ID’s are customized with each school’s logo/colors which helps promote school pride and unity. Additionally, this will help with whole school relationships so all staff can identify students easily and create a connection between students and staff.
Chromebooks:
If your student was unable to pick up their Chromebook this week, they can still do so during the first week of school (8/4–8/11). Chromebooks will be available for pick-up in the library before school or during lunch.
Need a Schedule Change?
Schedule changes will only be made for the following reasons:
-
Graduation requirement adjustment
-
Course was completed over the summer
-
Prerequisite for the course was not met
If your student meets one of these criteria, please have them email their counselor to set up an appointment.
New Attendance Policy:
Counseling Department/ED Services:
Important Notice for Students Who Took Core Subject Summer Courses Off Campus
If your student completed a summer course in a core area outside of CSHS, please ensure all steps are completed for credit to be accepted:
-
Transcripts were due by July 25, 2025.
-
Students now have 10 days to take the CSHS final exam in order to receive credit
-
To schedule the exam, please email Jason Schnee at jschnee@ccusd93.org
Thank you for helping us keep your student on track for graduation!
Dual Enrollment Information - Fall 2025
We’re excited to welcome families back and share key updates for Dual Enrollment this year in partnership with Paradise Valley Community College.
Important Dates:
-
Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 21, 2025
-
Grant Deadline: Monday, September 22, 2025
-
Payment Deadline: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Upcoming Events:
-
Open House Table: August 18, 2025
-
Virtual Info Session: August 27, 2025
-
Dual Enrollment Registration Day: September 5, 2025 (for students and parents)
-
PVCC will be doing presentations to Dual Enrollment classes on August 13th. The classes are Honors Biology, Honors Spanish III, Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, College Math, AP Calculus A/B, and English 101 this year.
For more information, visit paradisevalley.edu/dual or email dual.enrollment@
Thank you for supporting our students! More details will be shared as events approach.
Testing Information
PSAT/NMSQT Test Information for sophomores and juniors
- Date: October 22, 2025
- Location: Grey Gym, CSHS
- Cost: $30
- Doors Open: 7:15 AM
- Test Start: 8:00 AM (sharp)
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (including breaks)
- End Time: 11:30 AM
- After the Test: Students will attend their normal scheduled classes
Registration Process
Step 1: Register using this link: PSAT
Step 2: Pay the $30 exam fee on your PowerSchool portal or in the bookstore
- Registration Deadline: October 10th
- Note: Please complete the Google form in full. There are no refunds for PSAT exams, so register carefully.
Financial Assistance & Accommodations
- Financial Assistance: Contact Christy Pine for questions about financial assistance or test details.
- Accommodations: Requests should be channeled through the counseling department.
Cafeteria Information
A Reminder for Student Drivers: Drive Safely!
As students come onto campus in the morning and head off campus at the end of their school day, we want to remind everyone to drive safely and be mindful of pedestrians. A community member recently shared concerns about student drivers speeding through the roundabout at 64th and Dove Valley, some not noticing pedestrians waiting to cross. They also mentioned that several students didn't notice them in the crosswalk because they were on their cell phones.
Many people—families with young children, cyclists, and older adults—use these crosswalks daily, and we all play a part in keeping our community safe. Parents, we appreciate your help in reminding students about safe driving habits, including following speed limits, staying off phones, and watching for pedestrians.
Senior Corner - Class of 2026
Key Dates to Remember:
- Senior Pictures: September 10th and 11th (more information to follow)
- Senior Picture Retakes: October 23rd
Falcons Athletics
Fall Athletics – Aktivate (Register My Athlete) Registration Required
Attention students and parents:
Please make sure you are completing the Aktivate (Register My Athlete) registration for all Fall Athletics. Students-Athletes cannot participate in tryouts, practices, or competitions until registration is complete.
Register or log in at: www.registermyathlete.com
If you need assistance, please contact the Athletics Department:
Sara Thompson – (480) 575-2458
Don’t delay—get registered today!
Show Your School Spirit with Cactus Shadows Cheerleading!
Have you ever wanted to show your school spirit and be part of something exciting? Now’s your chance! Cactus Shadows Cheerleading is the perfect way to support our teams, boost school pride, and get involved in the Falcon community.
Learn more about how you can join or support the squad. Let’s go Falcons!
The Self-Driven Child:
Topic: The Self-Driven Child: How to reach, teach, and support our kids
Speaker: Katey McPherson
Date: Wednesday, August 6th
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Fine Art Center
I am excited to share that we will be hosting a very special evening parent forum featuring Katey McPherson—an esteemed expert in child development, mental health, and the impact of social media and technology on today’s youth.
As you know, parenting in the digital age presents unique challenges. This generation is the first to be born into a world saturated with social media and constant connectivity, which has profoundly shaped their development, mental health, and relationships. We believe this conversation is more important now than ever, especially based on the data we have collected from our parents and community.
We would be honored to have you join us for this important event. Your presence would underscore the value our community places on youth mental health and parental support. We also welcome any help you can provide in sharing this opportunity. Please note that this will be our only parent event that we will host in the evening for the 25-26 school year. Instead, we will be hosting parent forums on the school campuses. Be on the lookout for information regarding these sessions in the near future. This information will be found in your child’s school newsletter and on social media.
Thank you for your continued support of our community and families.
Mark Your Calendars, Falcons!
You are officially invited to an unforgettable evening of theater at Cactus Shadows High School! Our incredibly talented students, under the direction of our new and dynamic theater teacher, Mr. Eller, have been working tirelessly this summer to bring a powerful and heartfelt production to life.
This isn’t just a school play, it’s a full-on theatrical experience, filled with energy, creativity, and the kind of passion that only our CSHS students can deliver. Whether you're a proud parent, a fellow student, a theater enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a great story told with heart, this is a performance you won’t want to miss.
Performance Dates:
Friday, August 8th & Saturday, August 9th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: FAC Black Box Theater, Cactus Shadows High School
Come out, support the arts, and see firsthand what happens when hard work meets raw talent. Let’s fill the Black Box with applause and show our students how much their efforts mean to this community. See you there!
Voluntary Student Accident & Sickness Insurance
Information for Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Insurance plans for purchase including plans for athletics can be found below.
AZ Lion's Vision and Hearing Foundation-information. If your family needs eye care or vision services, and does not have health insurance, please contact our Health Office