April 23, 2018

Dear Phoenix Union Parents/Guardians:

On April 19, statewide educator leadership announced a scheduled walkout to begin Thursday, April 26. If the walkout does occur, Phoenix Union has decided to close all schools, April 26, and schools will remain closed until the walkout ends. Based on our information, we anticipate the likelihood of a three-day walkout, Thursday through Monday, April 26, 27 and 30. For now, we are planning on school closures, April 26 and 27. Classes are cancelled and students should not come to school. School bus transportation will be curtailed. Any school days missed due to the work stoppage will have to be made up, either with additional school days added on Saturdays and/or the end of the school year.

As a commitment to our families, we will provide sites where students with proper PUHSD identification can receive free breakfast and lunch. Alhambra, Central and Cesar Chavez High Schools will serve grab-n-go meals from 7-11 a.m. on walkout days.

We urge you to consider alternative plans for your student for April 26-30. On the District website, we are providing community resources available to your students during the walkout. Note that some organizations do require early registration during this time period.

Here are some other details regarding the walkout:

  • Graduation will be held as planned. Diplomas will be issued if all requirements such as course completion and attendance are met.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) will take place at students’ schools, as scheduled.
  • Extracurricular activities such as clubs, performances and celebrations will be suspended but may be rescheduled if time permits. Proms will be held as planned if school administration has proper supervision.
  • Varsity level practice, competition and tournaments will continue as scheduled. Junior varsity and lower level athletics and club sports will be cancelled.
  • Out-of-state and overnight field trips will be handled on a case-by-case basis at the school level. Your student’s principal or teacher will communicate plans regarding a particular trip. All single-day trips will be suspended.
  • Facility rentals by outside organizations during walkout days will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

These plans will be reviewed regularly and updated as needed. Additional information, including frequently asked questions (FAQs) will be available on the District website home page at We will also update via our notification system (School Messenger), Facebook ( and Twitter. (@phoenixunionhs).

Sincerely,

Chad E. Gestson, Ed.D.

Superintendent