Family Centers

AVUSD Family Center Logo: Brown building with a red apple in the middle, surrounded by two adults and two children.

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

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.

Story Time in the Family Center

Story Time In The Family Center.mp4