About Willis Jr. High School

A Proud Tradition Of Whole-Child Success

Willis Junior High School has a proud history of preparing students for academic and social success through a diverse learning experience centered on three core values: ensuring everyone feels safe and valued, prioritizing learning, and taking pride in the small details that make a big difference. We encourage whole-child development by fostering an enthusiastic teaching staff that meets students where they are, building positive relationships while designing engaging and challenging lessons. Our rich academic tradition includes state and national championships in Knowledge Bowl, the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair, National History Day, and VEX Robotics. Complemented by a highly acclaimed music program and a full slate of East Valley Conference athletics, Willis offers a true community school environment where the diversity of our Firebird Family is celebrated and every student finds a pathway to success.

Interested in touring Willis Jr. High School? Our school tours are scheduled by appointment. Please give us a call to schedule tour (480) 883-5700

Willis Junior High School Log featuring the blue firebird with "WILLIS" in white letters

401 S. McQueen Rd
Chandler, AZ 85225

Phone: (480) 883-5700

ContactWJHS@cusd80.com

School Hours

9:05 am - School Begins
3:59 pm - School Dismissed

Early Release

11:00 am
1:04 pm - Finals Release

Office Hours

8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Important Contacts

All school numbers begin with (480)883-XXXX

Name (with email)	Title	Ext.
Charina DeCaro	Principal	5700
Brett Epstein	Assistant Principal 8th Grade Athletic Director	5700
Jessica Popham	Dean of Students 7th Grade	5700
Gwen Smith	Special Education Contact	5748
Michele Chapin Shauna Goldberg	504 Coordinators & Counselors	5700
Ciria Gentry	Registrar	5700

Department	Ext.
Attendance Line	5703
Health Office	5702
Cafeteria	5701
Transportation - District Main Office	(480)424-8600

Important Links

Attendance Information

Regular attendance and prompt arrival at school are vital to the educational success of your child.

Please contact Attendance via:

1. Infinite Campus Parent Portal

2. Automated attendance line (voicemail) available 24/7 to report a student's absence at (480) 883-5703

2. Parent Square

Please leave the following information:

Student's first and last name
Student's school ID number
Date of absence(s)
Reason for absence
Your name and relationship to the student
Your telephone number

Policy Information

Below we have outlined our policies designed for the safety of our staff and students.

Sign Out Policy

A parent/guardian must sign student(s) out in the front office and show picture ID in order for us to release a student. Anyone other than the parent/guardian picking up student must be listed on the emergency information. Students will not be called out of class until parent/guardian has signed student out with proper identification. If you need to check out your student during lunch, please be aware that we cannot call students in the cafeteria. You will have to sign in and try to locate them in the lunch areas.

Tardies

Absences

Homework Requests

It is the responsibility of the student to make up all missed assignments after an absence from school. If a student is unable to attend school and seek their assignments, they should contact their teacher or one of their classmates for that information, not the school office. The following guidelines have been established for such work.

*For each day missed, the student has an equal number of days to make up work. Failure to do so may result in a failing grade or no credit.

Chronic Absenteeism

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute - ARS 15-802/15-803, students who exceed an absentee rate of 10% are considered truant, even if the absences are excused. A student who accrues 10 or more absences – even though they may be excused – will result in notification to the district truancy officer who may require that all future absences be validated by a doctor’s excuse.

Withdrawal From School

If it becomes necessary for you to withdraw your student from school during the school term, you should notify our Registrar two days in advance to prepare transfer records. You will be given a withdrawal sheet to take to each teacher for proper clearance. Parents may come to school and make the withdrawal at any time. Having the forwarding address of the new school is very helpful. All school-issued books and Chromebooks must be turned in prior to withdrawal.