New & Returning Student Enrollment Event
Sacaton Elementary School District #18 is excited to welcome students and families for the 2026–2027 school year!
If you are NEW to the district or need to complete your RETURNING student's enrollment, we invite you to attend our:
New & Returning Student Enrollment Event
Monday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 21
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Front Offices at Sacaton Elementary School & Sacaton Middle School
Our front office staff will be available to assist families with enrollment and answer any questions before the school year begins.
**Please don't wait until Meet the Teacher Night to enroll.**
Meet the Teacher Night, held on Thursday, July 23, from 3:00–5:00 p.m., is an opportunity for enrolled students to meet their teachers and visit their classrooms.
Enrolling before Meet the Teacher event helps ensure your student receives a class assignment and is ready for a smooth start to the school year.
We look forward to welcoming all of our Braves back for another great year!
MEET THE TEACHER – 2026-2027 School Year!
The first day of school is almost here, and we can't wait to welcome our students and families back!
Join us for MEET THE TEACHER on: Thursday, July 23 from 3:00–5:00 PM at both Sacaton Elementary School & Sacaton Middle School!
Come meet your child's teacher, visit the classroom, drop off school supplies, and get ready for an amazing school year! Our staff is excited to welcome both new and returning families as we kick off another year of learning and success.
We look forward to seeing you there and starting the 2026-2027 school year together!
See you on July 23!
The first day of school is almost here, and we can't wait to welcome our students and families back!
Join us for MEET THE TEACHER on: Thursday, July 23 from 3:00–5:00 PM at both Sacaton Elementary School & Sacaton Middle School!
Come meet your child's teacher, visit the classroom, drop off school supplies, and get ready for an amazing school year! Our staff is excited to welcome both new and returning families as we kick off another year of learning and success.
We look forward to seeing you there and starting the 2026-2027 school year together!
See you on July 23!
Congratulations to our SY 25-26 May Students of the Month from Sacaton Elementary School! 🌟💙🏅 #BEBRAVE #sacatonelementary #sacatonstrong #sesd18 #SESD18 #sacatonbraves #HCA
Congratulations to our SY 25-26 May Students of the Month from Sacaton Middle School! 🌟💙🏅 #BEBRAVE #sacatonmiddle #sacatonstrong #sesd18 #SESD18 #sacatonbraves #HCA
Celebrating Our 2026 GRIC Graduates!
Congratulations to all the students who have graduated, been promoted, or earned a certificate this year! Your hard work and dedication deserve to be recognized.
We’re excited to announce that a special edition of GRIN will be coming out to honor your accomplishments. If you haven’t received your 2026 Graduate Information Form yet, please reach out to the Tribal Education Department or GRIN to ensure you’re included in this celebration! Deadline to submit your information: June 19, 2026.
Let’s celebrate all the achievements from preschool to college and beyond!
Contact Information: grin@gric.nsn.us or TEDEvents@gric.nsn.us
Congratulations to all the students who have graduated, been promoted, or earned a certificate this year! Your hard work and dedication deserve to be recognized.
We’re excited to announce that a special edition of GRIN will be coming out to honor your accomplishments. If you haven’t received your 2026 Graduate Information Form yet, please reach out to the Tribal Education Department or GRIN to ensure you’re included in this celebration! Deadline to submit your information: June 19, 2026.
Let’s celebrate all the achievements from preschool to college and beyond!
Contact Information: grin@gric.nsn.us or TEDEvents@gric.nsn.us
☀️ Summer Office Hours & Summer School Information☀️
Sacaton Elementary School District would like to inform our families and community of our summer operating schedule.
📅 Summer Office Hours
Beginning May 28 through July 1, district offices will operate on a 4-day work week (Monday–Thursday).
🕕 Office Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• District Office
• Sacaton Elementary School Office
• Sacaton Middle School Office
📚 Summer School
Summer School will be held at Sacaton Elementary School.
⏰ Summer School Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Please note that all district offices will be closed on Fridays during the summer schedule.
We wish all of our students, families, and community members a safe, fun, and productive summer break!
Sacaton Elementary School District would like to inform our families and community of our summer operating schedule.
📅 Summer Office Hours
Beginning May 28 through July 1, district offices will operate on a 4-day work week (Monday–Thursday).
🕕 Office Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• District Office
• Sacaton Elementary School Office
• Sacaton Middle School Office
📚 Summer School
Summer School will be held at Sacaton Elementary School.
⏰ Summer School Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Please note that all district offices will be closed on Fridays during the summer schedule.
We wish all of our students, families, and community members a safe, fun, and productive summer break!
As the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close, we want to thank our students, families, staff, and community for a wonderful year of learning and growth! We wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and fun summer break. Thank you for your continued support of our district — we look forward to seeing everyone next school year!
Sacaton Pride! We proudly celebrate excellence, leadership, and years of dedicated service across our district.
Congratulations to our Chief Azul Award winners and honorable mentions:
Ezra Reyna
Ethan Soke
Malynianna Manuel
Honey Galaz
Your hard work, character, and commitment continue to make a lasting impact on our students, schools, and community.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to our retirees, Lourdes Alvarez and Lone Arrow Jackson, for the countless lives you have touched throughout your years of service. Your legacy, dedication, and heart for students will not be forgotten.
Thank you all for representing the very best of our district!
Congratulations to our Chief Azul Award winners and honorable mentions:
Ezra Reyna
Ethan Soke
Malynianna Manuel
Honey Galaz
Your hard work, character, and commitment continue to make a lasting impact on our students, schools, and community.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to our retirees, Lourdes Alvarez and Lone Arrow Jackson, for the countless lives you have touched throughout your years of service. Your legacy, dedication, and heart for students will not be forgotten.
Thank you all for representing the very best of our district!
Congratulations to our SY 25-26 April Students of the Month from Sacaton Elementary School! 🌟💙🏅 #BEBRAVE #sacatonelementary #sacatonstrong #sesd18 #SESD18 #sacatonbraves #HCA
Congratulations to our SY 25-26 April Students of the Month from Sacaton Middle School! 🌟💙🏅 #BEBRAVE #sacatonmiddle #sacatonstrong #sesd18 #SESD18 #sacatonbraves #HCA
Good afternoon, families. Sacaton Middle School Gate 7, Bus 40 is currently running approximately 30–35 minutes late due to a mechanical breakdown. Parents - please do not check students out from the bus route. Students will still be dropped off safely at their designated locations. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Transportation Department
Transportation Department
Happy Mother’s Day from the Sacaton Braves! Today we celebrate and honor all the amazing mothers, grandmothers, aunties, guardians, and mother figures who support, guide, and inspire our students each day. Your love, strength, encouragement, and sacrifices help shape the future of our community.
Thank you for the countless ways you show up for your children and our schools. We appreciate all that you do and hope your day is filled with love, joy, and well-deserved appreciation.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you for the countless ways you show up for your children and our schools. We appreciate all that you do and hope your day is filled with love, joy, and well-deserved appreciation.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Uniform Reminder:
All students are expected to be in proper uniform. Any visible undershirts must be school-appropriate and may not be associated with gang affiliation (including by color) or display inappropriate content. If an undershirt does not meet these expectations and is visible, students will be required to remove it as it is out of compliance with the uniform policy.
Middle School Colors:
8th Grade: Navy
7th Grade: Gold
6th Grade: Charcoal Grey
5th Grade: Sky Blue
T-shirts are available to purchase for $5 in the front office.
All students are expected to be in proper uniform. Any visible undershirts must be school-appropriate and may not be associated with gang affiliation (including by color) or display inappropriate content. If an undershirt does not meet these expectations and is visible, students will be required to remove it as it is out of compliance with the uniform policy.
Middle School Colors:
8th Grade: Navy
7th Grade: Gold
6th Grade: Charcoal Grey
5th Grade: Sky Blue
T-shirts are available to purchase for $5 in the front office.
Shapai Masma? We are proud to share that Sacaton Middle School will be celebrating O’otham Himthag Thash Days on 4/7 Thursday and 4/8 Friday as a way to honor and recognize the rich culture, traditions, and history of the O’otham people. Throughout these days, students and staff will have opportunities to engage in activities that highlight cultural learning, respect, and appreciation. This celebration is an important part of who we are as a community, and we are excited to uplift and celebrate together!
Sacaton Elementary School District #18 has two Governing Board vacancies. Eligible residents may apply to be appointed through December 31, 2026. Applications must be printed, signed, notarized, and submitted to the Pinal County School Office. Open until all positions are filled—no deadline.
Contact the county office for details or to request an application. Email: nobrien@pinalcso.org
This year was a great year! Filled with school spirit and opportunities to represent SES. The cheer squad had a great year performing for school assemblies and family events. We also had the opportunity to perform for Gila River Skyline, Gila River Caring House, Gila River Light Parade and Mul-Chu-Tha Parade. We look forward to next year with plenty more performances!!! Go Braves Go!!!
This is a reminder that the Sacaton Elementary School District 2026 Health, Wellness, and Prevention Fair is happening TODAY! 4:00–6:00 PM in the Sacaton Elementary School Gym.
We are excited to welcome all families and students to this community event designed to be engaging, informative, and fun for all ages. Come explore health and wellness resources, connect with local partners, and learn practical strategies to support healthy living at home and at school.
We look forward to seeing you this afternoon!
We are excited to welcome all families and students to this community event designed to be engaging, informative, and fun for all ages. Come explore health and wellness resources, connect with local partners, and learn practical strategies to support healthy living at home and at school.
We look forward to seeing you this afternoon!
This is a reminder that the school district will be holding a public meeting regarding the potential transition to a 4-day school week.
TOMORROW - Thursday, April 23 at 10:00 AM
Sacaton District Board Room
Community members are encouraged to attend, learn more about the proposal, and share their input. Your feedback is an important part of this process as decisions are considered that will impact students, families, and schools. Be informed. Be heard. Be involved.
Sacaton School District #18 would like to inform our parents, families, and community members that, at this time, it is the intention of the Governing Board to remove pre-school as an instructional offering within the District.
This consideration is based primarily on the fact that the District does not have a dedicated funding stream to support pre-school programming. Without sustainable funding, continuing to operate a pre-school program creates a significant deficit within the District’s budget. As many of you are aware, school district budgets are currently under increased scrutiny at both the state and federal levels, requiring careful and responsible financial decision-making.
Why this change is being considered
Several factors support this direction:
1. Fiscal Responsibility
Operating a pre-school program without designated funding places strain on the District’s general fund, impacting resources available for K–8 students.
2. Avoiding Duplication of Services
Our community is fortunate to have established early childhood programs, including Head Start, that already provide high-quality services to pre-school-aged children. Maintaining a separate district-run program would duplicate efforts and costs.
3. Strong Community Partnerships
The District will continue to work closely with our Community Head Start programs to ensure that children—especially those with special needs—receive the services and support they require.
4. Focus on Core Instructional Programs
By reallocating resources, the District can strengthen its primary mission of delivering high-quality education for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
5. Long-Term Sustainability
This decision supports the District’s goal of maintaining a financially stable and sustainable educational program for all students.
We understand that this change may raise questions or concerns, and we are committed to supporting families through this transition. We encourage all stakeholders to contact the District Office with any questions or for assistance in connecting with available community pre-school resources.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Sacaton School District #18.
This consideration is based primarily on the fact that the District does not have a dedicated funding stream to support pre-school programming. Without sustainable funding, continuing to operate a pre-school program creates a significant deficit within the District’s budget. As many of you are aware, school district budgets are currently under increased scrutiny at both the state and federal levels, requiring careful and responsible financial decision-making.
Why this change is being considered
Several factors support this direction:
1. Fiscal Responsibility
Operating a pre-school program without designated funding places strain on the District’s general fund, impacting resources available for K–8 students.
2. Avoiding Duplication of Services
Our community is fortunate to have established early childhood programs, including Head Start, that already provide high-quality services to pre-school-aged children. Maintaining a separate district-run program would duplicate efforts and costs.
3. Strong Community Partnerships
The District will continue to work closely with our Community Head Start programs to ensure that children—especially those with special needs—receive the services and support they require.
4. Focus on Core Instructional Programs
By reallocating resources, the District can strengthen its primary mission of delivering high-quality education for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
5. Long-Term Sustainability
This decision supports the District’s goal of maintaining a financially stable and sustainable educational program for all students.
We understand that this change may raise questions or concerns, and we are committed to supporting families through this transition. We encourage all stakeholders to contact the District Office with any questions or for assistance in connecting with available community pre-school resources.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Sacaton School District #18.
At the April Regular Governing Board Meeting, the Sacaton School District #18 Governing Board approved an amendment on the second reading of Policy IE: Organization of Instruction. This change will take effect beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
Under the new structure:
Sacaton Elementary School will serve students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade (K–5)
Sacaton Middle School will serve students in 6th through 8th Grade (6–8)
As part of this transition, 5th grade will move to the elementary school next year.
Why this change?
This adjustment is designed to better support student learning and development. Key reasons include:
1. Age-Appropriate Learning Environment
Fifth grade students are developmentally more aligned with elementary-aged peers. Housing them at the elementary campus allows for instruction, supports, and expectations tailored specifically to their stage of growth.
2. Stronger Academic Foundations
Keeping 5th grade within the elementary model allows for greater continuity in foundational instruction, particularly in literacy and mathematics, helping ensure students are fully prepared for the transition to middle school.
3. Smoother Transition to Middle School
By beginning middle school in 6th grade, students can enter a more structured, subject-specific environment when they are more developmentally ready, improving both academic confidence and social adjustment.
4. Improved Social-Emotional Support
Elementary campuses are designed with systems that emphasize nurturing, relationship-building, and whole-child support—key elements for students in upper elementary grades.
5. Alignment with Best Practices
Many districts across the state and nation utilize a K–5 and 6–8 configuration, as it is widely recognized as a model that supports student success during critical transition years.
We understand that changes like this can raise questions, and we are committed to supporting students and families every step of the way. Additional information, including transition plans and opportunities for parent engagement, will be shared. in the time to come. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the success of all Sacaton students.
Under the new structure:
Sacaton Elementary School will serve students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade (K–5)
Sacaton Middle School will serve students in 6th through 8th Grade (6–8)
As part of this transition, 5th grade will move to the elementary school next year.
Why this change?
This adjustment is designed to better support student learning and development. Key reasons include:
1. Age-Appropriate Learning Environment
Fifth grade students are developmentally more aligned with elementary-aged peers. Housing them at the elementary campus allows for instruction, supports, and expectations tailored specifically to their stage of growth.
2. Stronger Academic Foundations
Keeping 5th grade within the elementary model allows for greater continuity in foundational instruction, particularly in literacy and mathematics, helping ensure students are fully prepared for the transition to middle school.
3. Smoother Transition to Middle School
By beginning middle school in 6th grade, students can enter a more structured, subject-specific environment when they are more developmentally ready, improving both academic confidence and social adjustment.
4. Improved Social-Emotional Support
Elementary campuses are designed with systems that emphasize nurturing, relationship-building, and whole-child support—key elements for students in upper elementary grades.
5. Alignment with Best Practices
Many districts across the state and nation utilize a K–5 and 6–8 configuration, as it is widely recognized as a model that supports student success during critical transition years.
We understand that changes like this can raise questions, and we are committed to supporting students and families every step of the way. Additional information, including transition plans and opportunities for parent engagement, will be shared. in the time to come. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the success of all Sacaton students.
