A+ School of Excellence Archive

Unanimously, the judges for the Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary School Site Visit recommend Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary School receive the Arizona Education Foundation, A+ Excellence in Education Award for the 2023-2024 School Year.

Mr. Fallgatter has earned the respect of all of his stakeholders and his transparent leadership instills confidence in his teachers and the Mariposa community. The Kyrene de la Mariposa Family atmosphere is authentic and reaches each and every member of this A+ School. Highlights from our visit include the overwhelming show of collegiality which was evidenced at every level of the certified and classified staff members. The Customer Service starts in the front office and is observable in every room on campus. The staff at KdlME are true champions for each and every child as well as for each other. Mr. Fallgatter walks his talk and honors everyone for their skills and allows each member of the Family to contribute. He values opinions and listens in order to communicate the best outcomes for this Computer Science Academy. Consistent expectations for academic and behavioral goals across this school are evident. The innovative computer programs and rooms are unique to this school and every preK-5th grader is actively involved on a daily basis with ever changing technology. The day starts with the student run Broadcast Team and continues throughout the day in classrooms and Chips Creation Station room.

Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy truly is "Wild About Leadership." As a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, the community has embraced the Habits which is evident when guests interact with friendly students while on campus and at home according to their parents. Leadership opportunities are available for students, staff and parents in a variety of ways. The physical environment provides evidence of the school's commitment to a homey and loving climate. Staff, students, parents and visitors attest they, "feel the love" at Mirada. Led by Principal Anderson, staff recognizes students as individuals while using data driven practices to monitor progress. Additionally, the twenty-five Leadership Clubs give every student the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to their school community. Kyrene de la Mirada is a warm, welcoming, collaborative school that is worthy of state recognition as an AEF A+ School of Excellence.

Esperanza Elementary is a magical place for teaching and learning and a pillar of unity in the community. Dr. Robertson leads the staff in exhibiting a true desire to help students succeed academically while addressing their social emotional needs through PBIS and by providing a caring environment where families feel welcome.

At Kyrene de la Paloma, Dr. Leake and Assistant Principal, Amy Ordonez; along with teachers, support staff and community members have created a peaceful and safe environment where students are able to learn, grow and express themselves individually and collaboratively. Creativity through arts integration is not only displayed throughout the school but is an integral part of students’ daily lives through lessons, group work and demonstration of learning. Stakeholders which included students, teachers, parents and community members could never express enough how much they loved Paloma and what the school had done for them. As one staff member stated, “Teachers are “hard-core”...every conversation is about moving the student forward.” Paloma’s Focus 5 contract is not just for “display.” It permeates throughout the school as students are in control of themselves in classrooms, cooperative groups, special area classrooms, the playground and lunchroom. It is obvious that the spirited students, dedicated staff and supportive community have made Paloma a very special place to learn and grow.

Kyrene de la Sierra prides itself on tradition and excellence in education. They have a very strong learning community that work together to provide strong programs and instruction througout their school. There is a great sense of pride and collabortation among the staff, students and parents that learn and grow at this Blue Ribbon School!

It was apparent to the judges that what the A+ application team said about Ranch being a "family" was true! The parents, kids, classified staff, certified staff, and community members all echoed this sentiment. The pride they have in their school and their community was evident. I believe that Ranch will be a shining beacon of the district as they will be the first and only A+ school in the district.

Kyrene de las Brisas Elementary School, is a family-focused, child-centered school dedicated to fostering a love of learning and student success. Open for 30 years, Brisas serves 536 students with a culture built on its Mission, Vision, and Core Values of Pride, Effort, Achievement, Character, and Excellence (P.E.A.C.E.). The school excels in academic innovation through its AVID program, collaborative teaching models, and student leadership opportunities. Stakeholder engagement is central, with 65% of students attending through Open Enrollment and high levels of parent and staff involvement. Despite challenges like declining enrollment and post-pandemic behavioral struggles, Brisas has implemented strategic interventions, including MTSS and team-teaching, while maintaining a vibrant and inclusive community. Recognized as an A+ School of Excellence multiple times, Brisas is committed to continuous improvement through data-driven strategies, culturally responsive teaching, and fostering a positive school climate, ensuring it remains a place where all members thrive.