Celebrating a Year of Excellence at Twin Peaks K-8

As we celebrate another outstanding school year at Twin Peaks K-8, we are proud of the remarkable accomplishments of our students, staff, and families. Our youngest learners made tremendous gains in literacy. In kindergarten, 99% of students mastered all letters and sounds, and 95% mastered CVC words. First graders achieved 100% mastery of CVC words, while 96% mastered blends and 95% mastered digraphs. Second graders demonstrated strong reading foundations with 94% mastering CVCE words and 91% mastering predictable vowel teams. Third graders continued that success with 91% mastering unpredictable vowel teams and 91% mastering closed two-syllable words. These efforts contributed to strong Acadience Reading results, with students scoring at or above benchmark at rates of 80% in kindergarten, 74% in first grade, 79% in second grade, and 78% in third grade.

Beyond academics, our students know they are supported and valued. According to our Effectiveness Survey, 81% of seventh and eighth grade students and 83.4% of fourth through sixth grade students reported knowing at least one adult at school who cares about them. Our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program continued to strengthen our school culture, with students earning 12,561 Positive Paws and receiving 317 Pawsitive Office Referrals. Attendance remained a priority, with an impressive 93.7% attendance rate—above the district average and improved from last year.

The arts flourished this year, with more than 700 students participating in music programs, including 420 students in K–4 General Music, 90 choir members, 120 band students, and 65 orchestra students. Athletics also provided valuable opportunities for students to develop teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, with more than 250 middle school students participating in Northwest League sports. Highlights included the 7th and 8th Grade Boys Soccer Team winning the Northwest League Championship, the 7th and 8th Grade Boys Basketball Team qualifying for the league finals, and Bryce Ramos earning second place in the high jump.

Students excelled in academic competitions and enrichment opportunities throughout the year. Third grade advanced in the Read to the Final Four competition. Our instructional coach, Bethany Dizon, launched TED-Ed opportunities through a fifth-grade club sponsored by Alison Young and an eighth-grade elective taught by Raina York. Students showcased their learning and public speaking skills by presenting speeches during Literacy Night. In the Twin Peaks Spelling Bee, Andy Zhao earned first place, Alyssa Dean placed second, Lily Bonomi placed third, and David Liss was selected as the alternate representative for the district competition.

Our students also demonstrated exceptional achievement in science. The Twin Peaks Science and Engineering Fair recognized 57 award winners. At the Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair, Twin Peaks students earned 2 first-place awards, 3 second-place awards, 4 third-place awards, and 9 special awards. At the Arizona State Science Fair, Jacob Boyle earned an outstanding second-place finish.

Service and leadership remained hallmarks of our school community. The National Junior Honor Society included 48 middle school students, and 60 students in grades 3–8 served as Student Council representatives and officers, helping to lead school events, promote school spirit, and represent their classmates. Through PBnJ (Peers Bringing Joy), 56 students served as recess game leaders, while 27 students participated in Safety Patrol. These programs provided meaningful opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, serve others, and make a positive impact on our campus.

These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the support of our families. Together, we have created a year filled with learning, achievement, leadership, and growth. Thank you for helping make Twin Peaks K-8 such a special place to learn and belong.