It’s a big deal when a school receives an A+ School of Excellence Award from the Arizona Educational Foundation.
This makes it easy to understand the ripple of excitement felt by Mesa Public Schools when an unprecedented nine schools joined the elite group of A+ schools. Highland Arts, Ishikawa, Keller, Mendoza, Porter, Robson, Sirrine, Sousa and Washington elementary schools received word of the selection in April.
Recognizing academic excellence
The awards reflect the district’s commitment to providing quality education and maintaining high standards of academic achievement.
“It is gratifying to know the judges recognized our efforts as we strive for excellence both academically and socially in a safe and supportive environment,” said Rene Parker, principal at Sirrine Elementary School.
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, as well as assessment data.
For Ishikawa Elementary School, this is their second time receiving the A+ designation. Principal Shelley Heath shared their secret to success. “It’s built upon dedicated and skilled teachers, and parents who work in partnership with the staff and students who show power in leadership and pride in achievement every day,” she said.
The art of achievement
This achievement is indicative of school communities committed to building lifelong learners, and demonstrates meeting the needs of their student population. There is an overwhelming sense of pride in students, staff members and parents. They are excited to be part of a school recognized with this distinguished honor, and will gladly tell you so.
A student from Sousa Elementary School stated, “Because of all the student and staff support, when students come to Sousa, they stay at Sousa.”
A sense of jubilation
The morning Porter Elementary School received word of their accomplishment, Principal Paula Warren greeted parents by holding a large sign with a big metallic A+. Parents honked their horns and shook hands with the principal. During announcements, students did the happy dance to Kool and the Gang’s Celebration.
“This award identifies and gives recognition that Porter Elementary is an outstanding public school,” Principal Warren shared. “This is extremely important, because, in Arizona, parents can choose where they want to send their child to school, and our community is aware their neighborhood school is outstanding.”
The Arizona Educational Foundation created the A+ School of Excellence Program in 1983 as a comprehensive school assessment tool to identify, celebrate and recognize overall educational excellence in schools throughout Arizona. Award-winning schools receive $500 and a banner designating it as an A+ School of Excellence. All faculty at winning schools are eligible for partial scholarships from Argosy University, Phoenix.
For more information about all Mesa Public Schools, please visit www.mpsaz.org.