Dear Parents, Community Members & CCUSD Staff –

As the school year moves into February, a month filled with opportunities for growth, kindness, and learning, I want to take a moment to celebrate a group of dedicated CCUSD professionals who make a positive impact on our students and schools every day - our school counselors. 

National School Counseling Week, February 2-6, 2026 gives all of us the perfect opportunity to recognize the invaluable role our school counselors play in helping our students in and out of the classroom. Whether they are providing academic guidance, supporting students’ social and emotional well-being, or helping to navigate future career and college pathways, our counselors are always there as trusted advisors and compassionate listeners. Their dedication helps ensure that every student feels seen, supported, and encouraged to follow their pathway in order to reach their “E” after Cactus Shadows - Enlist, Employ or Enroll. 

Our school counselors work tirelessly to create a positive and inclusive environment for all students. They assist in conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and serve as critical advocates for student success. Their ability to connect with students on a personal level and guide them through challenges is critical and inspiring. The work they do extends beyond academics. Working in cooperation and coordination with administration and teachers, they are shaping confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life beyond the classroom.

I encourage everyone in our community—students, parents, staff, and neighbors—to take a moment this month to show appreciation for our school counselors. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in recognizing their hard work and commitment!

I am happy to start the gratitude: thank you for being an integral part of our Cave Creek Unified family. Your partnership, encouragement, and engagement make a difference in the lives of our students. 

Let’s make February a month of gratitude and appreciation for our school counselors!

We look forward to seeing you in our schools.

Moving Forward Together,

Bill Dolezal, Superintendent

Dear Parents, Community Members & CCUSD Staff –

The Cave Creek Unified School District is registering for Kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year! Kindergarten classes are found at all our “A” rated, highly-performing elementary schools.

In the Cave Creek Unified School District, we provide an innovative, high-quality learning experience for all students. Our classrooms facilitate strategies to develop curious, resilient, critical-thinking, and problem-solving students. Our students and educators are empowered to make a difference, while inspiring excellence in our families, community, and world.

Why should you choose CCUSD for Kindergarten?

Bring your child to our Kindergarten events on January 29 from 5:30-6:30 PM. To learn more please visit our kindergarten page. 

We look forward to seeing you in our schools.

Moving Forward Together,

Bill Dolezal, Superintendent

Dear Parents, Community Members, and CCUSD Staff,

As the seasons change and the spirit of gratitude and the Holidays fills the air, I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for everyone who contributes to making our school district exceptional. It is a true honor and privilege to serve as the proud Superintendent of our beloved school community. 

First, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the CCUSD Governing Board for their steadfast commitment to our students' success in and out of the classroom. Your support, guidance and willingness to work together have laid the foundation of collaboration, trust and achievement for our district.

To our district leadership team, thank you for joining me on this journey and allowing me the honor of leading such an intelligent, compassionate and passionate group of educational professionals who are willing to do whatever it takes to help our schools and departments reach their full potential.

To our exceptional educators, I am in awe of your enthusiasm and commitment to nurturing the minds of our students. Your tireless efforts to create engaging and inclusive learning environments have not gone unnoticed. You inspire our students to reach for their potential - even when they do not know or see it themselves; and for that, we are eternally grateful.

To our dedicated staff members, we are indebted to you for your unwavering support behind the scenes. From maintaining the school facilities; to transporting our students; to feeding our students; to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students; to running our offices,  your hard work and dedication are the backbone of our district’s success.

To our community partners, I am grateful you stand alongside us in support of public education and our students. Your commitment to education and your generous contributions have enriched the educational experiences of our students in countless ways. We look forward to continuing our strong collaboration for the betterment of our students.

I would also like to express my gratitude to our parents and guardians for entrusting us with the education and growth of their most prized possessions - their children. I know you have a choice and we are grateful you chose us. Your partnership and collaboration are vital in creating a thriving educational community, and we are fortunate to have such engaged and supportive families.

Last but certainly not least, I want to thank our incredible students. You are our WHY. Your enthusiasm, resilience, and eagerness are the driving force behind everything we do. Your accomplishments and achievements in and out of the classroom continue to inspire us, and we are immensely proud of each and everyone one of you.

I encourage everyone to reflect on the collective impact we have made and will continue to make together on the lives of our students. Together, we endeavor to set our students upon a path of excellence, compassion, and lifelong learning.  Together, we prepare our students to achieve success when they leave Cactus Shadows in their Employment in the workforce, their Enlisting in the military, or their Enrollment in post-secondary education. I am truly honored to be on this journey with all of you.

Moving Forward Together,

Bill Dolezal, Superintendent

Dear Cave Creek Unified School District Community –

While there are so many things for all of us to be thankful for this month, one that we are most grateful for are the men and women who have served and are currently serving in our United States Armed Forces. We know their sacrifice enables us to live such amazing lives. To all the veterans in our CCUSD community and around the globe:  THANK YOU!

Veterans Day Celebrations around CCUSD:

Black Mountain Elementary School
Black Mountain will host their annual Veterans Day Walk of Honor on November 7th starting at 1:15. Veterans will walk along the inner path at BMES while being honored for their service by students and staff. All veterans are welcome. Call 480-575-2100 for more information.

Desert Willow Elementary School
Desert Willow will welcome veterans to come in to read to Roadrunner students. 

Horseshoe Trails Elementary School
Horseshoe Trails will be holding a Veterans Day assembly with a choir performance honoring our veterans, on November 7th. 

Sonoran Trails Middle School
Sonoran Trails will be hosting a Veterans Day Assembly to honor those who have chosen to serve in our country’s military on November 10th at 2:00 pm. 

Cactus Shadows High School

Cactus Shadows will be having a patriotic spirit day on campus.  Students and staff are encouraged to join in and wear red, white, and blue. 

As a reminder, all CCUSD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. 

We look forward to seeing you in our schools.

Moving Forward Together,

Bill Dolezal, Superintendent

Dear Cave Creek Unified School District Community –

Our CCUSD Governing Board officially recognized September 25, 2025 as “Legendary Teacher Day” in CCUSD. This day is a time for us to reflect on the profound influence that a teacher has had on our own lives. We all have that teacher who made a difference in our lives, who inspired us, believed in us when we doubted ourselves, or ignited a passion within us. These educators are the unsung heroes who shape the future through their dedication and passion. Many of these teachers do not even know the difference they have made in our lives.

Long time educator from Tucson, Arizona, Dr. Nic Clement, spearheaded the effort in partnership with NAU to recognize and create “Legendary Teacher Day”. He wrote a book titled How to Catch a Swamp Frog dedicated to special teachers in his life who guided and inspired him. Some lessons learned in his book about Legendary Teachers are:

• Lesson 1: Legendary Teachers still insist and believe they are mere mortals even after we find them 20 years later and express our deep gratitude for changing our lives. 
• Lesson 2: Legendary Teachers have frog eyes. Frogs have great vision. They can see colors. They can see bugs at night. Some frogs even have three lids, closing one for camouflage while still being able to see everything around them. 
• Lesson 3: Legendary Driver’s Education Teachers have the patience and wisdom to know when NOT to use the passenger brake. 
• Lesson 4: Legendary Drama Teachers always show students how and why the show must go on. 
• Lesson 5: Legendary Teachers expect you to exceed your own expectations. 
• Lesson 6: Legendary Teachers treat every lesson as though they are playing basketball for a state championship or playing the piano on the stage at Carnegie Hall. 
• Lesson 7: Legendary Teachers always have their GPS tuned to an achievement goal for their students. 
• Lesson 8: Legendary Teachers most likely had legendary teachers. 

While the official day may have passed, I invite each and every one of you to reconnect with that legendary teacher from your past who played such a pivotal role in your life. Reach out to them and express your gratitude for the impact they've had. Your words of appreciation can mean the world to them, reminding them of the importance of their work and the lives they've touched.

Whether it's a heartfelt email, a handwritten letter, a phone call, or even a visit if possible, your gesture will not only make their day but also serve as a powerful reminder of why they chose this noble profession. It's an opportunity to pay it forward by acknowledging the tremendous value of teaching and the lasting impact it has on generations to come. Share your stories, anecdotes, and reflections with your colleagues and students. Let us collectively honor the tireless dedication and boundless compassion of those who choose to work in education.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and support to our students and schools. I'm incredibly proud to have each of you as part of our Cave Creek Unified School District family.

Moving Forward Together,

Bill Dolezal, Superintendent

Dear Cave Creek Unified School District Community –

As we approach Patriot Day, we take a moment to reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our Nation and united us in resilience and hope. Those events and the days after serve as a poignant reminder of the values we hold dear: courage, sacrifice, and community. 

Please see below the information on Patriot Day Celebrations at CCUSD Schools!

Black Mountain Elementary School 

BMES will host their 15th Annual Patriot Day Ceremony, which will take place on Friday, September 12th. The Patriot Day Ceremony is a highlight of the school year, fostering a sense of patriotism and community spirit among our students, families, and community. They will start with their annual grandparents breakfast and then commence with the ceremony honoring first responders which includes songs sung by the students and handmade cards.

Desert Willow Elementary 

DWES will be hosting First Responders Day from 9:30-10:45 a.m. on September 11th.  The students will have an opportunity to see a fire truck and ask the firefighters questions, in addition to receiving a demonstration of the fire hose.  

Horseshoe Trails Elementary 

Students will be writing friendly letters to First Responders in the community and Principal Pettinato will be reading a brief, patriotic message to the whole school about 9/11 and the helpers that day, followed by a brief moment of silence in the morning. Then the entire school will recite the Pledge of Allegiance in unison. 

Sonoran Trails Middle School & Cactus Shadows High School

All students in grades 7-12 will be receiving age-appropriate instruction regarding the events of 9/11 during their English or Social Studies class.  

Moving Forward Together,

Bill Dolezal, Superintendent

Dear Cave Creek Unified School District Community –

First and foremost I would like to welcome everyone to the 2025-2026 school year. We are excited for school to start on August 4. 

I want to share a personal decision with you - after 25 incredible years in this district - and with immense gratitude in my heart— I have informed the Governing Board and District leadership that I will retire at the end of the 2025–2026 school year, which is the final year of my current contract.

Serving as your Superintendent has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Cave Creek has been more than just a workplace for me—it has been my home, my community, and the place where I have poured my heart into work that I deeply believe in. Together, we’ve taken on hard challenges, made thoughtful decisions, and laid a strong foundation for future success.

I’m choosing to share this now, a year in advance, so that there is time for a thoughtful, inclusive, and smooth transition. My goal is to support the district in whatever way is most helpful during this process - whether that means participating in the search planning, supporting onboarding, or simply stepping aside while the Governing Board leads the process. What matters most to me is ensuring our district continues moving forward with strength and stability.

To be clear: this is not goodbye. We still have a full year ahead, and I remain fully committed to our students, staff, families, and community. We have important work to do, and I’m excited to continue working alongside all of you to make a meaningful impact.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your unwavering support of our schools. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve this incredible community.

Moving Forward Together,

Bill Dolezal, Superintendent