A+ School of Excellence Archive

Learning objectives and success criteria are clearly posted in each classroom. Evidence of effective questioning techniques and active participation strategies were implemented within each classroom. School wide instructional focus utilizing “evidence based” strategies and methodologies in grades Kindergarten through 8th. Students, staff, and school community is very respectful and fully invested in their school. Highly effective teaching staff, long tenure within Canyon Ridge School, lots of experiences, shared leadership opportunities, shared professional development, mentoring, strong sense of collegiality amongst team, and willingness to share/grow. Effective instructional strategies were modeled throughout our site visit. These strategies included effective questioning techniques, active participation (overt/covert), technology integration, modeling of the expected outcome(s)/learning objective(s), organization (materials/learning environment), and lesson task analysis was evident. Canyon Ridge School has embedded a very strong STEM focus throughout each grade level. STEM applications and instructional lessons/practices were witnessed throughout our site visit. Entire school campus is clean, well cared for, attention to detail, welcoming, provided a wonderful first impression, and passed Mr. Bonner’s student restroom smell and cleanliness test! School wide procedures are clearly in place, reinforced, and demonstrated by all students and school community. Outstanding school culture! Canyon Ridge School is a safe, positive, and innovative place to learn. The learning atmosphere is genuine, authentic, and students sincerely believe in their teachers/staff/principal. Highly effective implementation of differentiated instruction models throughout each classroom. Canyon Ridge has embraced STEM as their academic focus/target and has successfully integrated 7 Habits as part of their social development/behavioral structures in grades Kindergarten through 8th. Canyon Ridge School is focused on continuous school improvement, utilizes data effectively to guide instruction, and places an increased emphasis on teacher renewal and growth (Professional Development). Responsive leadership is modeled. Canyon Ridge School is focused on academic achievement, has a very healthy school culture, and reinforces the importance of celebrating successes!

"Dysart High School has a reputation for turning things around. Several staff were alumni of Dysart and spoke to the change the school has made for the better. It is a school that has a positive school climate and it is evident students love their school and believe it provides several opportunities for them to be successful post-secondary. It is also evident there are several programs and clubs, to encourage students to get involved and connected with an adult on campus.
Staff, students, and parents all were proud of the strides Dysart HS has taken to improve as a school and excel academically."

Our A+ Team enthusiastically recommends that El Mirage Elementary be awarded the designation of an A+ School of Excellence. El Mirage is an excellent place to learn, work, and visit. The campus was safe, attractive, and well maintained, and the feeling upon entering the campus was very friendly and welcoming. The Health and Wellness theme of El Mirage was well understood and practiced by all staff, students and families across the campus. There was buy in from the entire staff related to applying to be an A+ School of Excellence, as all staff actively took part in the process. There was ample evidence of a supportive, creative, and charismatic leadership team, and all stakeholders validated the ""open door policy"" and ""open to new ideas"" characteristics of administration. It is evident that the all stakeholders at El Mirage Elementary are passionate about their students, and ensure that their students' mental and emotional needs are stressed as just important as the students' academic progress.
A resounding ""YES"" to El Mirage!!!!"