We were all quite proud when the Arizona Department of Education recognized Southwest Leadership Academy (SLA) as a “B” school putting it in one of the top tiers of high schools in the state. This year, with your help and hard work, we hope to achieve an “A” rating. These ratings are based on numerous factors such as career and college readiness, academic performance, credit attainment, and completion of graduation. Many of you have been concerned about test taking but that is the best way for us to determine what we need to work on together. Your academic performance will result in SLA possibly advancing to an “A” rating this year so please help us achieve this important milestone.

Many new things are planned for you for this school year. We added Art to the curriculum so you can demonstrate your art skills or learn how to bring out the artist inside you. Mr. Bowers is our new art teacher. You will meet our new social worker, Ms. Ayala Pacheco, who will help you with any concerns you may have at school or home. She can work with you, your parents, your group home leaders, and your brothers and sisters to be sure you have everything you need. We are hoping to have a chorus this year along with the Contemporary Band that Mr. Newley leads.

Sports will abound this year with almost every sport for both men and women you can imagine. Please sign up as the sport’s seasons are announced.

We have some new teachers this year – Mr. DeToress will be teaching mathematics replacing Mr. Connor who is pursuing a new chapter of his life in the ministry in California. Ms. Morton is our new reading specialist and she will be assisted by Ms. Rodriguez, who many of you knew as a former behavior mentor at SLA. Mr. Hall has resumed his previous position as an English teacher. And you will be meeting Assistant Principal Ms. White, who is overseeing our special programs.

We continue take precautions to ensure your health safety including disinfecting classrooms nightly, taking temperatures upon entry to the school and recommending the use of facial coverings.

As you already know we love our students at SLA and will do whatever we can to assure your success but it also requires you to take ownership of your education too. Be here everyday; don’t be late. You have a great future ahead of you.

GO RAMS!

Dr. Gregory Fowler – Interim Superintendent

Ms. Valerie White – Assistant Principal / SPED Director – Compliance Officer