July 23, 2009, Phoenix, AZ
University Public Schools Media Advisory
University Public Schools Names Interim Executive Director

University Public Schools Inc. (UPSI) named Ms. Debra Gomez Interim Executive Director on July 21, 2009. Ms. Gomez will take responsibility for the family of charter schools run by UPSI given the untimely death of Executive Director Mr. Larry Pieratt who has lead this initiative since it was founded in 2006. Mr. Pieratt came to Arizona in 1990 after having taught and served as both an elementary and middle school principal in Ohio. He earned undergraduate and masters degrees in educational administration from Ohio State University. In Arizona, he founded the highly successful Horizon Community Learning Center that serves over 1400 k-12 students (with a waiting list in the hundreds) after having served as a principal in the Kyrene School District. In 2006, he was chosen to lead University Public Schools Inc., an affiliate of Arizona State University. UPSI opened the Polytechnic Elementary School in the southeast Valley in 2008 and this year will open University Public School Phoenix in downtown Phoenix in partnership with Phoenix Elementary School District #1. Larry’s dedication to public education and his energy and enthusiasm for building great schools will be sorely missed, and his passion to drive student achievement for each and every student will not be forgotten. Dr. Eugene Garcia, Vice President of Education Partnerships at Arizona State University stated at the Corporate Board Meeting, “Larry’s death is a great loss to all of us, and Arizona State University President Dr. Michael Crow expresses his appreciation for all of his work on behalf of the children of UPSI.”

Ms. Debra Gomez, the Chief Academic Officer of UPSI, will now serve as Interim Executive Director. Ms. Gomez has been dedicated to public education in Arizona since 1978 upon her graduation from Arizona State University. She has served as a Teacher, Grant Writer, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Curriculum and Assistant Superintendent in districts across Phoenix. She is bilingual and is actively involved in the Arizona Hispanic Administrators Association and is a board member of the National Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

About University Public School Incorporated (UPSI)

University Public Schools, working in affiliation with Arizona State University, partners with select school districts and educational service providers to deliver innovation and achievement to preschool through grade twelve schools. UPSI schools are designed to provide students choice and achievement while leveraging the resources and best practices for curriculum and technology integration, while also offering teachers the highest quality of professional development. UPSI schools are tuition-free public charter schools. For more information visit upsi.asu.edu or call 480-727-1612.

July 15, 2009, Phoenix, AZ
University Public Schools Media Advisory

University Public School Phoenix, the new and innovative school just launched in downtown Phoenix for K-8 students, will hold an Open House on July 29th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm for parents and children interested in the school who want to learn more, ask questions, meet some of the staff and enjoy a cold soda and hot dog. The new school is a unique partnership between University Public Schools Inc. (a public charter school network) and Phoenix Elementary School District #1 (a public school district). University Public Schools, Inc works in affiliation with Arizona State University.

The new school is quite unique in that is offers:

• an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) for EVERY child. This personalized learning plan is followed on a daily basis throughout the school year to focus on each child’s goals and insure success. The learning team (parent, child and teachers) meets regularly to celebrate and measure success.
• a college-going culture.
• high academic standards and expectations for every child.
• a safe and secure campus.
• highly qualified and certified teachers.
• daily instruction in Spanish and physical education.
• a high level of parent participation.
• gifted education strategies used for all students.
• before and after school care. *Fee required. However, there is financial support available to those who qualify.

When: Wednesday, July 29th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Where: Southeast corner of 7th Street & Fillmore in Phoenix at the NEW University Public School Phoenix

Who: All parents and students interested in the school should attend or call now to register.

For more information or to register your child directly call 602 257 4843 or visit http://upsi.asu.edu.

 

August 6, 2008, Mesa, Ariz.
University Public Schools Media Advisory

The Polytechnic Elementary School, managed by University Public Schools, Inc., a non-profit organization that works in collaboration with Arizona State University, opens its doors August 11 to its first class of approximately 220 K-6 grade students. These students will enter a truly unique school where innovations abound and the world is their classroom.  Experienced and talented teachers will greet them, and the students will find a challenging learning environment complete with the use of technology as a learning tool.

Shortly after classes begin at the temporary facility located just north of ASU’s Polytechnic campus in East Mesa, University Public Schools will break ground for the permanent site of the Center for Educational Innovation. The Center will be located on about 24 acres in the southwest portion of the campus and, when completed, will accommodate students from preschool age to grade 8 in fall 2009 and through grade 9 by fall 2010. Upon build out, the entire center is expected to have 1,400 students enrolled in grades prekindergarten through 12, allowing for systemic changes in the learning process. Read more

 

May 2, 2008, Mesa, Ariz.
Arizona State University Media Advisory

University Public Schools (UPSI), in affiliation with Arizona State University, announced at a parent meeting May 1 the appointment of Donna Bullock as principal of the Polytechnic Elementary School, effective July 1, 2008. The Polytechnic Elementary School is the first school University Public Schools will open, initially serving students Kindergarten through 6th grade. Read more

 

Sep. 28, 2007, Mesa, Ariz.
Arizona State University Media Advisory

University Public Schools (UPSI), in affiliation with Arizona State University, is preparing for the fall 2008 opening of its first tuition-free public school, the Polytechnic Center for Education Innovation. UPSI is hosting information sessions for preschool through sixth grade students and their parents over the next three months.

University Public Schools is a new initiative coming out of the Office of the Vice President for Education Partnerships. It links ASU with school, community and business leaders in Arizona to establish an innovative, research-based educational environment that promotes student achievement and preparation for a global society. Read more