A+ School of Excellence Archive

"The A+ team enthusiastically recommends that Payson High School be awarded the designation of an A+ school!

The culture at Payson High School is strong and most definitely student centered. Together with their community (Aspire) all stakeholders work together as a team to support their students with their academic, physical and emotional needs. This staff stops at no lengths to provide students with whatever resources that are needed.

Academically, Payson High School has strong instructional practices that are consistent in every classroom. They systematically go about the task of reaching every student regardless of the student's needs. Payson High School purposefully and with careful focus makes sure that no child falls between the cracks. Responses and interventions (Reteach / Enrich) are data driven and targeted towards the individual needs of each child.

Curriculum is designed and aligned through careful collaboration (vertically and horizontally) among staff throughout the district. No teacher or section is on an island.

The staff and administration throughout the district is ""highly connected top to bottom and bottom to top"".

Garden Lakes Elementary deserves the A+ Excellence in Education Award because of their commitment to all children. Under the leadership of the Principal, Mrs. Jill Helland, she has created a family culture where everyone will do whatever it takes to support each child. It is evident that staff, students and parents work closely together to achieve this goal. Because of this caring approach towards students they work hard to meet and exceed these goals. This is evidenced by their academic achievement and their kind and caring way of welcoming visitors to their campus as well as how they support each other. The team, working together, has created numerous opportunities for students to close the gap as well as extend their learning. In addition, students have the opportunity to serve in student leadership roles that supports their personal growth. Garden Lakes approach to teaching and learning, while serving the whole child and highlighting the importance of relationships, makes it a school very deserving of the A+ School of Excellence in Education award!