As Banner Thunderbird Medical Center embarks on the construction of its new, state-of-the-art Women and Infant Services Tower, the organization is also making a meaningful impact beyond hospital walls. In a powerful demonstration of community engagement, Banner Thunderbird partnered with MBJ Engineering and Okland Construction for a day of service at Cactus High School, part of the Peoria Unified School District. This collaborative initiative focused on revitalizing a pond located on the school’s campus, transforming it into a vibrant, hands-on learning environment for students studying ecosystems and environmental science.
The pond restoration project was identified by the Class of 2025 at Cactus High School as their senior gift to the school. This initiative reflects the students’ commitment to leaving a lasting legacy that benefits future generations. By choosing a project that enhances both the beauty and educational value of their campus, the senior class demonstrated leadership, environmental stewardship, and school pride.
This impactful project was made possible through the district’s ongoing partnership with School Connect, a local non-profit organization that specializes in building bridges between schools and community stakeholders. School Connect plays a vital role in identifying school needs and matching them with the resources and expertise of local businesses, faith-based organizations, and civic groups. Through this partnership, the Peoria Unified School District has been able to foster a culture of collaboration and support that extends far beyond the classroom.
The pond revitalization is also supported by a grant from the Arizona Game & Fish Department, which provides funding to help educators across the state incorporate wildlife and environmental education into their curriculum. This grant ensures that the restored pond will serve as a dynamic outdoor classroom, offering students the opportunity to observe native species, conduct scientific experiments, and engage in real-world learning experiences.
“As someone who works with students each day, the greatest part of this project was witnessing our students engage around potential career opportunities and learn from experts,” shared assistant principal David Serafin.
The Peoria Unified School District is proud to support initiatives like this that align with its mission to prepare every student for success. By working together with community partners like School Connect and engaging the community in meaningful service, the district continues to create enriching educational experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting.
For those interested in volunteering or learning more about how to support similar projects, please email pusdpr@pusd11.net and save the date for Love Our Schools Day, a community-wide day of volunteerism, on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Read the complete fall edition of unifiED at www.peoriaunified.org/unified.