Mesa Public Schools is now recognizing an elementary and secondary spotlight school at the second board meeting of each month. Each school will highlight a student, certified staff member and classified staff member. Field Elementary was recognized for the month of September. Below are comments about each honoree from Michelle Hall, the Field Elementary Principal.
Exceptional Student- Rachel Soto: I’m honored to recognize Rachel, a student who truly embodies the spirit of a Falcon—soaring high and lifting others along the way. For three years, Rachel has served as a dedicated class representative on student council, advocating for her peers and always striving to make our school a better place. As our Move 1 Million ambassador, she championed health and wellness, encouraging her fellow Falcons to stay active and engaged.
Rachel’s leadership also shines through her creativity and teamwork. She helped organize a musical quartet that performed during breakfast and lunch, bringing harmony to our mornings. And when it came to environmental stewardship, Rachel was right there leading the charge, supporting our composting initiative and helping our school 'soar above' in sustainability. Rachel, your passion and dedication lift our entire Falcon community.
Exceptional Certified Staff- Erica Frazee: It is my pleasure to recognize a teacher who truly embodies the spirit of our Falcon family. When I think of Erica Frazee, I think of heart, I think of joy, but most of all I think of commitment to students. Ms. Frazee goes above and beyond every day to ensure our school is not only a place of learning but a place where students feel welcome, supported, and inspired. Whether she's spending her summer painting vibrant murals in our Pre-K bathrooms, creating opportunities for student leadership with the Falcon mail initiative, or using AI to compose a fight song that captures the heart of our school, she consistently finds creative ways to help our community soar.
But her passion doesn’t stop there. Ms. Frazee is also deeply reflective in her practice, always seeking out opportunities to grow. This summer, while teaching, she requested observations and feedback on a new strategy she was trying. She constantly pushes herself, knowing that when she grows, her students do too. She is a teammate who can always be counted on, whether it’s for a creative idea, a problem to solve, or simply to share a laugh. Her unwavering dedication to our students and school community makes her a true Falcon—always soaring above for the sake of our kids.
Exceptional Classified Staff- Maria Kask: I am honored to recognize someone who is, quite simply, the heart of Field Elementary—Maria Kask, or as we all affectionately call her, Ms. Cuqui. At 84 years young, Ms. Cuqui has been a cherished part of our Field family for the last 11 years, and she’s the closest thing we have to a celebrity. The kids light up when they see her, and if she’s ever absent, they immediately start worrying. We often have to remind them that even Ms. Cuqui is allowed a day off now and then!
There’s always a long line in the cafeteria—not because of the food, but because everyone wants to give Ms. Cuqui a hug before they clear their tables. She has an incredible way of making each child feel seen, valued, and loved. Her presence is a daily reminder of the warmth and connection that make Field such a special place to be. Ms. Cuqui, you are truly a Falcon, soaring above with love and dedication to our students and community. I can proudly say that some day, I hope to influence a school the way you do.