Coyote Hills Elementary School

Tomorrow, July 31, Peoria Unified will be closed as all staff are on a furlough day. During a furlough day, all district schools and worksites are closed to the public, employees do not work and are not paid.

Last November, the community did not approve the override funding for our schools, resulting in a loss of approximately $11 million from this year's operating budget, or our maintenance and operations fund. This, coupled with declining enrollment has caused the district to cut a total of $21 million from our current budget. One way the budget shortfall will be addressed is with three furlough days this school year: July 31, February 12 and May 12. These furlough days will result in an average pay decrease of 1.5 to 1.7% for all staff members.

All school and district offices will reopen for normal hours on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, for the first day of school.

Learn more about Peoria Unified's fiscal reality at peoriaunified.org/fiscalrealities.

Coyote Hills Trailblazers -- Help me officially welcome Dale Brown who is joining us as our new Art teacher 💚

Hi, I’m Dale Brown, and I’m thrilled to be the new Art Teacher at Coyote Hills! I have a Bachelor’s in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design, and I’ve spent years working as a graphic designer and photographer. I’ve created everything from business logos to t-shirts, billboards, international ad campaigns and I’ve even had a former U.S. President speak in front of my artwork! I’m forever taking on creative projects of all kinds because I truly can’t imagine life without making art.

I’m also a proud Coyote Hills parent with a 4th grader and a kindergartener. My husband and I enjoy exploring our city since moving to Arizona from Colorado nearly 2 years ago. We love this community!

I may be Mrs. Brown, but nothing about my classroom is neutral — I’m looking forward to filling our art room with so much color, curiosity, and many “look what I made!” moments.

Coyote Hills Trailblazers -- Help me officially RE-welcome Shannon Kelley who is stepping back into the classroom, joining our incredible Jr. High team 💚

Hello! My name is Mrs. Kelley, and I am excited to be the 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher this year at Coyote Hills Elementary!
Coyote Hills has been a very special place to me for many years. I have been part of the Coyote Hills family since the school opened in 2000—as a parent, a PTSO Board member, a 3rd grade teacher, a 5th grade teacher, and for many years as the Gifted Instructor and Physical Education teacher. Along the way, my family and I also had the privilege of coaching more sports teams than I can count!
With the district’s reduction in PE positions, I am thrilled to be returning to the classroom and sharing my passion for community with our thoughtful, engaged learners in our Social Studies classroom . I look forward to creating a classroom where students feel supported and inspired to learn.
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and my wonderful grandchildren. I love swimming, visiting the beach whenever I can, and—of course- Disneyland!
I’m excited for a wonderful year of learning and growth for us all!

Coyote Hills Trailblazers -- Help me officially welcome Maggie Currier who is joining our incredible Special Education team 💚

Hi! My name is Maggie Currier. I am so excited to be jumping into a new role this year as the 6th-8th ESS teacher. I graduated with my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and spent years as an executive function coach working with students across the country. Last year I had the privilege of serving as an IA at Coyote Hills. I fell in love with the community and feel so happy I get to continue being a Trailblazer! When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family, attend my kids’ sports events, go for a run, or drink a good cup of coffee. Here’s to making this year the best yet!

Coyote Hills Trailblazers -- Help me officially welcome Kirsten Cox who is joining our phenomenal 6th grade team 💚

My name is Kirsten Cox and I’m so excited to be teaching 6th Grade Math this year! I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and my Bachelor of Arts in English from Rowan University in New Jersey. I have previously taught 4th and 5th grade (at Oakwood & Cheyenne) before taking time off to spend with my own children. Lorelei will be starting at NAU this fall, Logan is a Sophomore at SMHS, and Charlotte (6th grade) and Saige (3rd Grade) will be with me at Coyote Hills!
Last school year I had an incredible time substitute teaching at Coyote Hills and I can’t wait to start my journey as a Trailblazer!

Coyote Hills Trailblazers -- Help me officially welcome Sophia Horton who is joining our wonderful junior high team 💚

Hello everyone!
My name is Sophia Horton, and I will be teaching 7th grade ELA! I was born and raised in Peoria with my four sisters. I have a Chihuahua named Chippy, he is my best friend! I am still a student myself, and I will graduate from NAU in December with a B.S.Ed.! After teaching in mentor classrooms for three years, it's surreal to have one to call my own! I cannot express how grateful I am to be a part of this community again!
Fun fact: I attended Coyote Hills and Sunrise Mountain! 💛💜

Coyote Hills Trailblazers -- Help me officially welcome Heidi Sinex who is joining our amazing Special Education team 💚

My name is Heidi Sinex, and I’m excited to support the Coyote Hills community as an Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Specialist. I have been in education since 2005, with experience teaching in both general and special education classrooms from 2007–2025. I earned my dual bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, from Northern Arizona University. This is my second year serving in district leadership, where I partner with school teams to strengthen instructional practices, support the development and implementation of IEPs, ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, and promote evidence-based strategies that help students with disabilities thrive. I am honored to support Desert Harbor, Coyote Hills, and Peoria Traditional this school year. Outside of work, I’m a proud mom of three amazing kids and enjoy traveling with my family, making memories together, and spending time with our adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Mango. I’m looking forward to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year and partnering with the incredible staff, students, and families at Coyote Hills!

Coyote Hills Trailblazers -- Help me officially welcome Donielle Rice who is joining our phenomenal Special Education team as our new school psychologist 💚

Hello all! My name is Donielle Rice and I will be the new school psychologist at Coyote Hills. This is my 5th year as a school psychologist, but I have worked in special education for 17 years now.
I am an Arizona native who loves doing things with my family. I am married with two energetic boys (12 and 9). We love traveling and doing many outdoor activities. You will most likely find us at the baseball field when the fall and spring seasons start.
I am excited to join the Coyote Hills family this year!

Coyote Hills Trailblazers -- Help me officially welcome April Scelzo who is joining us as our new Music and Choir teacher 💚

My name is April Scelzo and I am thrilled to join the Coyote Hills family! This will be my 28th year teaching. I have taught kindergarten through 8th general music and choir. In addition I have sponsored extra curricular chorus programs and been a cheer coach.
I am married and have a son who will be a freshman at Liberty. We enjoy traveling, watching ASU football, hiking and spending time with friends and family.
I can't wait for this new school year and being a part of the amazing Coyote Hills community!

Coyote Hills Trailblazers -- Help me officially welcome Brooke Slack who is joining our phenomenal Kindergarten team 💚

Hello! My name is Brooke Slack. I grew up in southern Utah and earned my teaching degree from Dixie State College. Over the past year I had the opportunity to substitute in a variety of grade levels here at Coyote Hills and I am so excited to be joining the kindergarten team this year. My husband and I have four wonderful boys (3 that attend Coyote Hills) and a dog named Milo! I’m looking forward to an amazing year full of growth and memories!