A+ School of Excellence Archive

"Playa del Rey is a beautiful, well-kept campus. When Mrs. Bickes came to Playa del Rey to serve as principal, she knew a well-kept, aesthetically pleasing campus was essential to the overall success of this school. Safety is also important as evidenced by visitors being buzzed in to enter the school. Once inside, visitors immediately feel a positive presence among students, staff, and parents. Visitors are greeted with a smile and a friendly ""hello"". In the morning, Mrs. Bickes stands in the main hallway to greet students as they walk to class.
Celebrating students is important at Playa del Rey. From the office staff singing “Happy Birthday” to students having a birthday that day to pulling names from the PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, Empathy) bowl and engaging them in a fun activity, such as a scavenger hunt, children are recognized and feel special.

The students are respectful and kind to adults and each other. It is evident that there are high behavioral expectations and students understand these expectations. Tight systems are observed including transitions, classroom expectations and school policies such as cell phone being off during school hours. Students are genuinely happy to be at school.

There is a sense of collaboration that is centered around student learning. The principal, Amber Bickes, acknowledged that her staff works hard with the mindset that “students come first. We observed this first-hand, while talking with staff, walking through classrooms, and observing students engaging in collaborative discourse.

When meeting with certified staff, classified staff, and parents and community there was a constant theme: “Playa del Rey is a family.” Words used to describe Playa del Rey were supportive, family, community, accommodating, inclusive, home, whole-child, and heartwarming. One parent described Playa del Rey as “watering the flowers, not the weeds.” Every child is given what they need to succeed. Each grade level has an advanced class for children working above grade level who need more challenge. There are also SPICE (Social, Pragmatics, Independence, Communication, and Emotional Regulation) classes to address the needs of students with autism spectrum disorders and related needs. Simply put, high expectations are in place for both academics, and behavior and an atmosphere of inclusivity has been cultivated. Heartfelt stories about what Playa del Rey has done for students were shared and families echoed that they would not consider going to any other school.

Playa del Rey continues to be a high achieving school, earning an A rating from the Arizona Department of Education. Their mission “Cultivate confident problem-solvers who think deeply, work together, and shine in all they do” and their vision “Be Bold, Be Brilliant, Be Extraordinary” is evident in the culture and climate that has been created at this school.

Based on everything our judging team observed, that was also supported by their application, our team highly recommends Playa del Rey for the A+ School of Excellence™ award."

"Canyon Rim Elementary School places an increased focus on closing achievement gaps by preparing ALL students for college/career readiness and success in a global society.

The learning atmosphere is genuine, authentic, and students sincerely believe in their teachers/staff/principal. Highly effective implementation of differentiated instructional models, both traditional and conventional, throughout each classroom.

The entire school (classrooms, library, playground, hallways, etc.) demonstrates highly effective classroom management strategies, routines, and procedures. Staff value the importance of genuine and authentic relationships with ALL students.

Clearly demonstrated evidence of critical 21st century learning skills: Problem solving, communication, creativity, innovation, collaboration, and perseverance.

Canyon Rim Elementary School has a healthy and rich school culture. It was wonderful to see the positive interactions with staff, parents, students, and school community members. Canyon Rim Elementary School authentically serves as a community hub and genuinely cares about the students and community they serve.

Entire school campus is clean, well cared for, attention to detail, welcoming, decorated with student work samples/projects, awesome first impression, and passed Mr. Bonner’s student restroom smell and cleanliness test!"

"The A+ judging team is recommending Carol Rae Ranch be an A+ School of Excellence School. Staff love the autonomy provided to them as professionals. The staff trust each other and value the team effort to support ALL students on the campus. It is evident the collaboration that takes place within the school and with PTSO is strong and keeps people coming back and learning. Parents feel welcome and part of Carol Rae in all ways - generations of families come to this school. Speciality programs are seen as a gift and privilege in the community.
The personalization staff show to the students and parents, including the love and care from Mr. B was evident in every panel discussion. One parent said it best, “We have school choice, and we choose Carol Rae Ranch.”"

"Unanimously, the judges congratulate Dr. Hood and his staff on attaining the Arizona Educational Foundation A+ School of Excellence Award.

The judges were impressed by the overwhelming positive student culture and parental investment in this rigorous high school! The students not only perform very well academically, they were well-spoken and respectful. The students have strong work ethics and lofty goals.

The interviews with all stakeholder groups were outstanding. The older students at this school are actively involved in 'showing the way of success' to the younger students. The true sense of family was evident on our visit.

The administration and staff are passionate about being a part of the GCA Spartan Family!

Congratulations, on working together to attain this AWARD."

"HJHS deserves the A+ designation due to a comprehensive cultural and instructional shift, grounded in strong leadership and a focus on student support.

Key factors include:
Improved Culture and Leadership: A shift in leadership empowered staff, leading to a jump from a C to an A rating. Teachers feel trusted, have an ""open door policy,"" and are celebrated.
Student Support and Academics: Students describe the school as a ""safe place"" with responsive administration and counseling. Effective differentiation is highlighted through tools like IReady, a ""learning lab,"" and intervention via Advisory.
Community and Inclusion: The atmosphere is ""family-like,"" with staff feeling valued and parents reporting ""strong communication"" and ""responsive concern resolution,"" particularly with 504 plans. The school is celebrated as a ""school for all kids.""
Forward Vision: Administrators are focused on future ""instructional improvement"" like expanding the Gifted Academy, adding SPED reading components, and further developing in-class differentiation."

The mission at Highland Park Elementary school is to be a caring community that supports each student achieving academic and personal success. This was evident through out our visit. We watched students get PARK tickets and talk about how much they enjoyed the PARK activities. This is a school where you can feel that everyone cares about the students. They try to meet all learners where they need to be and personalize the learning for them. Highland Park is a safe, healthy place to learn where students can take risks and flourish.