A+ School of Excellence Archive

The Site Visit Team recommends this school for the A+ designation because it is evident that student success is at the center of everything they do. The school provides regular, intentional opportunities for students to collaborate, and personalized learning is consistently visible through purposeful small-group instruction. Staff members actively use student achievement data to adjust their practice, showing a school-wide commitment to ongoing improvement. It is also clear that the school is deeply connected to its community and intentionally shapes its work to meet the unique needs of the families it serves. Finally, the staff’s strong trust in and commitment to the administrative team reflects a positive, unified school culture that supports high levels of learning for all students.

Our A+ Team enthusiastically recommends that Sierra Verde STEAM Academy be awarded the designation of an A+ School of Excellence.
Sierra Verde is an excellent place to learn, work, and visit. The campus was well cared for, and the feeling upon entering the campus was very friendly. The culture of the campus exudes warmth and kindness.
There was consistent evidence of strong positive relationships amongst staff and students. In fact, the ""lead with kindness"" mantra was evident in all interviews and in classrooms.
Teachers used innovative teaching strategies and provided many opportunities for students to learn beyond academics via clubs, teams, and the arts.
The leadership at Sierra Verde is strong. All stakeholders see the energy of the principal and feel that he is very receptive, aware of everything, and seen everywhere.

"When entering Stetson Hills School, visitors immediately feel a positive presence among students, staff, and parents. Visitors are greeted with a smile and a friendly ""hello"". The school is beautiful and well-maintained and there is a sense of pride that surrounds this school. In the morning, staff are outside to greet families and students as they arrive to school. Upbeat music is played which helps to set a positive tone to start the day.

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 and in backpacks during the day. When students walk across campus to their classrooms or other areas of the school, they are calm and orderly. In the classrooms they are engaged and focused on learning. Students are genuinely happy to be at school.

There is a sense of collaboration that is centered around student learning. The principal, Brittany Dyer-Hurdon acknowledged that her staff works hard and shared that there is a strong emphasis on student data and goal setting. Every student sets goals that are regularly monitored by classroom teachers. Teachers have autonomy about how goal setting looks in their classrooms, but every classroom teacher does have some type of data folder for every student. In addition, students can speak to their goals and are proud of their progress. This focus was evident throughout our school visit as we observed students sharing their goals and teachers celebrating their progress with them.
When meeting with certified staff, classified staff, and parents and community there was a constant theme: “Everyone works together to ensure student success.” Words used to describe Stetson Hills were family, community, excellence driven, belonging, compassionate, and intentional. One parent described Stetson Hills as “top-notch where children get the specialized instruction they need.” Tier 2 and Tier 3 programs are put in place during the day and Academic Recovery is offered on Wednesdays for students who need additional support. In addition, there are options for students identified as gifted or working above grade level to work a grade level ahead. Simply put, high expectations are in place for both academics and behavior and an atmosphere of inclusivity has been cultivated. There are families who drive over an hour to attend Stetson Hills School and many staff members bring their own children with them to school. Heartfelt stories about what Stetson Hills has done for students were shared with many students, staff, and families echoing that they would not consider going to any other school.

Stetson Hills School continues to be a high achieving school, earning an A rating from the Arizona Department of Education. Their commitment to “Inspire Minds, cultivate success, and foster excellence” 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 Stetson Hills School for the A+ School of Excellence™ award."

West Wing School is a shining example of what a caring community can do when they invest in their local school. When visiting with stakeholders from all levels, it is clear that the common message is that they will do whatever is best for their students. The needs of all learners are met through supports such as MTSS, special education, gifted program, social emotional focus, flex time, small groups, accelerated learning tracks, clubs and team sports. These supports are achieved through the strong collaboration and dedication teachers put forth daily. It is evident that students are successful and valued at West Wing School. Many parents shared that each year, their child was reluctant to let go of an old favorite teacher but was quick to embrace their new favorite teacher. It is clear to see why students, staff, and parents choose West Wing School as the place they want their children to learn and grow.

"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!"

Diamond Canyon School is deserving of being awarded a third A+ designation award. The intentional practices we read about and witnessed were outstanding. "The Story" of DC is in every student, staff member and support group we met during our visit. Shared leadership is evident and students know they are part of a family at this school. The legacy of Diamond Canyon is strong and impacts everyone that comes in contact with this A+++ school.