A+ School of Excellence Archive

"Desert Mountain Elem School deserves the A+ Award because they have an outstanding positive school culture with a strong PBIS Program that is embedded in all areas at school. They have an incredible parent support system that works countless hours to promote and earn extra funding for needs at the school. Jim Richardson's leadership team have created a school vision and mission that embraced and respected prior traditions, and increased high academic expectations for staff and students. The team spent several years developing systems to study student achievement data, provide professional development and create positive instructional changes with high rigor. The team has implemented new programs such as AVID, and encouraged student leadership through participation in various clubs for students. Desert Mountain Elem School has earned an A-Letter Grade for 3 consecutive years. They work consistently to increase positive school culture and leadership by reviewing the Coyote Mission Statement Daily with students and staff
which states, ""Every student will care, think, achieve and learn as well as encourage 3 coyote qualities ""Be kind, Be Respectful and Show Integrity."" All stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input and feedback with the Principal through various clubs, committees and programs. Jim Richardson's Leadership has resulted in an outstanding school culture of positive support, care and academic encouragement for children. This teach should be very proud of the work they do each day for children! Congratulations!"

At Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary, the principal, Mrs. Sherry Towns along with her Dean of Students, Mandy Bachali, teachers, support staff, parents and community members have created a well-oiled machine where students are learning and striving toward their full potential. As you walk through the hallways of FMSE, it is hard to believe that there are 1000+ students who attend as you observe students actively engaged in the Learning Lab designing an insect, using strategies to multiply 2-digit numbers, using the Socratic method in a first grade classroom or switching classes to make sure their instruction matches their needs. To a visitor it seems seamless, but all of this has taken hard work on the staff’s part. Teachers were constantly assessing their students by walking around and giving specific reinforcements or a kind redirection. They have deservingly been given an A rating from the State based on their academics, but the Arizona Educational Foundation gives them an A+ based on their culture of learning and staff unity. This culture of learning and unity includes best teaching practices (AVID, STEM, PBIS, MTSS and co-teaching) and an administration that encourages, listens and values input from teachers, support staff, and families. This cohesiveness that permeates throughout the school has made FMSE a very special place to learn and grow.