Family Centers
The Apple Valley USD Family Centers are a place for families to gather, become involved in their school, and learn about school and community resources and activities.
We can help you...
Connect to the school by offering: Assistance with free/reduced lunch applications, Aeries Parent Portal assistance, Family Engagement Events, Volunteer Opportunities
Enrich your knowledge by offering a variety of classes, such as: Budgeting, Parenting, Nutrition
Connect with resources by offering or referring you to: Clothing closets, Food pantries, Job listings, School supplies, Reading resources
The AVUSD Family Centers and Food Pantry will not be accepting clothing and food donations between May 1st and August 31st. If you have items that you would like to donate, please see this list of other local non-profits that are currently accepting donations.
Resources
Family Center Locations
AVUSD Family Center
Apple Valley Unified School District, Educational Support Center
12555 Navajo Road
Contact: Aurora Martinez
(760) 247-8001 ext. 20537
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm
Supporting students and families at High Desert Premier Academy, Apple Valley Virtual Academy, and throughout the Apple Valley community and school district.
Paul Swick Family Center
Yucca Loma Elementary School
21351 Yucca Loma Road
Contact: Brenda King
(760) 240-5606 ext. 44210
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm
Supporting students and families at Yucca Loma Elementary School, Rio Vista School of Applied Learning, and Sitting Bull Academy.
Phoenix Academy Family Center
Phoenix Academy Lower Campus
20700 Thunderbird Road
Contact: Cindy Carasa
(760) 242-7011 ext 81001
Hours: 8:15am-3:30pm
Supporting students and families at Phoenix Academy, Desert Knolls Elementary School, and Sycamore Rocks Elementary School.
Sandia Family Center
Sandia Academy
21331 Sandia Road
Contact: Jacqueline Tostado
(760) 240-5125 ext 46917
Hours: 8:00am-2:30pm
Supporting students and families at Sandia Academy, Apple Valley High School, and Mariana Academy.
Granite Hills Family Center
Granite Hills High School
22900 Esaws Road
Contact: Zayra Hall
(760) 961-2290 ext 73409 & ext 43001
Hours:6:30am-3:00pm
*Friday 6:30am-10:00am, Rancho Verde Room 1 10:00am-3:00pm
Supporting students and families at Granite Hills High School, Rancho Verde Elementary School, and Vanguard Preparatory School.
The Family Centers are closed when school is not in session.
Family Center Coordinators
Aurora Martinez
AVUSD Family Center Coordinator
(760) 247-8001 ext. 20537
Bio: I became part of the AVUSD family 17 years ago as parent volunteer. Today, I am proudly serving our families within our community in the Family Centers. My family is everything to me and I cherish my job, as I do my family. In my free time, I manage Latin groups, that is, until my first grandchild is born in December!
Brenda King
Paul Swick Family Center Coordinator
(760) 240-5606 ext. 44210
Bio: I am so grateful to be part of the AVUSD family. I look forward to serving the students, caregivers, and staff. I was previously a Family/Youth Parent Partner for the Wraparound program. I hope to continue to be the bridge between families, staff, and community partners.
Cindy Carasa
Phoenix Academy Family Center Coordinator
(760)242-7011 ext. 81001
Bio: Hello, my name is Cindy Carasa. I am grateful for the opportunity to help my community and students. I look forward to the new adventures this new school school year will bring. I enjoy outdoor activities and nature, love dogs and horseback riding.
Jacqueline Tostado
Sandia Family Center Coordinator
(760)240-5125 ext. 46917
Bio: Hello families of AVUSD! I have had the pleasure of being part of this family since April of 2022 and I look forward to many years to come. As a Family Center Coordinator, I would like for every family to feel seen and heard and their needs to be met to the best of my ability. If you see me around campus, feel free to say a friendly hello. I'm excited for what the future holds! In my free time, I enjoy going to sporting events with my husband and 2 boys, Antonio and Andrew, or listening to good music while swimming in our pool and having family time.
Zayra Hall
Granite Hills Family Center Coordinator
(760) 961-2290 ext. 73409 or (760) 247-2663 ext. 43001
Bio: My name is Zayra Hall and it is my honor to serve as the Family Center Coordinator for Granite, Vanguard, and Rancho Verde. I just celebrated 15 years with the district and my favorite part about my job is the relationships I have developed with our families.