Photo by Tim Hacker
Mesa Public Schools received five coveted A+ School of Excellence™ awards from the Arizona Educational Foundation. Falcon Hill, Red Mountain Ranch and Zaharis elementary schools, Taylor Junior High School and Red Mountain High School received word of the selection in April. The award reflects the district’s commitment to providing quality education, and maintaining high standards of academic achievement.
A rigorous application process
Administrators attest the application process is a significant undertaking. Schools are evaluated on student focus and support, school culture, active teaching and learning, curriculum, leadership, community and parent involvement, and assessment data. “Completing the A+ application, and hosting the visitation, was a great deal of work, but certainly worth it,” stated Dr. Gerald Slemmer, principal at Red Mountain High School. “It validates all the hard work our students, teachers and administrators do every day to make Red Mountain the great school it is.”
Building community
For Taylor Junior High School, this award substantiates the importance of shared responsibility and embracing change. “When ninth-grade students moved to high school campuses, we embraced a middle school model that allows us to better meet the needs of our students,” Principal Gina Piraino noted. “We successfully combined three school communities when Brimhall and Mesa junior high schools closed.” With a twinkle in her eye, she added, “We are truly resilient, and I am so happy that staff is being recognized for their efforts.”
Well-deserved recognition
Since 1983, the foundation has honored A+ Schools of Excellence™ to:
- identify and give recognition to outstanding public schools in Arizona.
- make available a comprehensive framework of key criteria for school effectiveness that can serve as a basis for participatory self-assessment and planning in schools.
- facilitate communication and sharing of best practices within and among schools, based on a common criteria related to success.
Award-winning schools receive $500 and a banner designating it as an A+ School of Excellence™. All staff and faculty at winning schools are eligible for partial scholarships from Argosy University, Phoenix. “The recognition of five campuses as A+ School of Excellence™, by the Arizona Educational Foundation, is evidence of Mesa Public Schools’ focus on providing unprecedented excellence in education for all learners. Each A+ school has uniquely and successfully fulfilled its commitment to student success, and has demonstrated the ability to sustain effective and efficient practices,” said Holly Williams, east area superintendent.
Celebrating success
The schools are busy celebrating their success—from hosting assemblies and campus events, to flying colorful banners, and students proudly sporting A+ school T-shirts. Dr. Joyce Cook, principal at Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School, attributes her school’s success to community, collaboration and connection. “Community is at the heart of Red Mountain Ranch, and extends to our parents, volunteers and local businesses,” she said. “We are proud to join the list of A+ schools in Arizona.”