That's a wrap on Stick 2 Reading!📚🎉
Over the past four weeks, we distributed an incredible 2,985 free books to kids. Thank you to the Mesa Public Schools Foundation and its partners for making these events a HUGE success. We already can't wait for next summer!
We are so proud! ✨ Eight Mesa Public Schools students were announced as winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities.
Merit scholars were chosen based on their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in college studies. Congratulations to:
🏅Erik Vuong (Westwood High School)
🏅Camryn Long (Red Mountain High School)
🏅Ryder Gailmard (Red Mountain High School)
🏅Hudson Fagan (Red Mountain High School
🏅Taya Day (Red Mountain High School)
🏅Kiley Bishop (Red Mountain High School
🏅Ethan Goodwin (Mountain View High School)
🏅Kai Valiensi (Dobson High School)
Four outstanding seniors from Mesa Public Schools have been awarded Student Community Service Awards by the Mesa Citizen of the Year Association. Ava Rodrigues (Mountain View), Camryn Long (Red Mountain), and Kassandra Macias and Natalie Pacheco (Westwood High) each received a $2,500 scholarship in recognition of their exceptional dedication to community service.
To qualify, students must complete a minimum of 150 service hours during high school and demonstrate a strong commitment to ongoing community involvement. The Mesa Citizen of the Year Association underscores the significance of honoring the impactful volunteer efforts of Mesa Public Schools students, who actively contribute to city programs, nonprofits, and other vital community initiatives.
We are thrilled to congratulate Holly Williams, Associate Superintendent of Mesa Public Schools, on being named the National Speech & Debate Association's 2024 High School Administrator of the Year! 🎉
Holly was part of the team to host the 2023 Nationals in MPS and has served on the NSDA Board of Directors as the administrator representative since 2021. Congratulations, Holly!
Congratulations to our almost 4,000 seniors who attained their high school diploma this month! 🎓 Did you miss a ceremony or would like to revisit a special moment? Check out our graduation videos here: https://www.mpsaz.org/o/mpsaz/page/graduation-ceremonies.
We are so proud! 👏
Kristin Retay, beloved ASL teacher at Red Mountain High School, is in the running for the coveted title of America's Favorite Teacher. The national contest is run by Reader's Digest, and it will recognize the ultimate winner with $25,000, an appearance in the popular magazine, and a trip to Hawaii. Vote for Kristin here: https://americasfavteacher.org/2024/kristin-retay. Hurry! Voting closed May 23.
Congratulations to Nancy Parra-Quinlan, science teacher at Kino Junior High, for being one of ten educators from across the nation chosen to attend the Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers in Panama. 👩🔬
The academy, hosted by The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, is scheduled to take place from June 8 to June 16.
Congratulations to the four Skyline Marching Band students who were selected to play in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade! 🎺🎷
Erickson Mazariegos Carranza, Alejandro Dominguez Corral, Matthew Huard, and Theodore Kalamaras will be representing the Coyotes in New York. The students were nominated by their band director, Lynn Truby, for their stellar leadership and musicianship in the band.
Join us at Stick 2 Reading in June for a FREE lunch meal and pick up a book for your summer reading list! 📚 **Please note, events held at public libraries will not include meal service. Learn more at mpsaz.org/food.
🎉 Happy National Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎 Sending a huge shoutout and heartfelt thanks to all the amazing teachers in Mesa Public Schools! Your dedication, passion, and hard work make a difference every day in the lives of our students. Thank you for all you do to inspire, educate, and empower our future leaders. You are appreciated more than words can express! 🏫👩🏫
🤝 April is National Volunteer Month and in celebration, we will be highlighting the beloved volunteers in our district throughout this month!
Meet Ms. Littrell, a long-time volunteer at Eisenhower Center for Innovation.
"Ms. Littrell's dedication to our students has made tremendous and profound impact on them both academically and emotionally," Principal Robert Meldau said. "She motivates and empowers our students to achieve higher success through her compassion and kind words. She is a constant and positive force within our students' academic journey."
Ms. Littrell has become a vital part of the 6th grade team and the Eisenhower family.
"She is truly valued and loved by both students and staff for her amazing and selfless work," Meldau said.
Congratulations to our two newest elementary principals! 🌟
Mesa Public Schools proudly welcomes Serenity Simpson and Claudia Mendoza as the new principals at Mendoza and Sousa elementaries, respectively.
Congratulations to this year's Student Service Awards winners! 👏
Every year in April, this award ceremony recognizes special education students for their achievements and academic performance. General education students, teachers and support staff also receive awards for their exemplary service and contributions to our exceptional student population.
Join the Best Place to Work in Mesa! 🏆
Meet with our expert recruiters on April 24 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to pick your next big career move. Can't make it? Don't worry! Email work@mpsaz.org or call 480-472-7210 anytime to get in touch with our recruiting team.
🤝 April is National Volunteer Month and in celebration, we will be highlighting the beloved volunteers in our district throughout this month!
This is Mary Ellen Hood, a volunteer at Guerrero Elementary where she helps upper-grade students in both math and ELA. She has been doing this for over 18 years and she never misses a week! Ms. Hood has worked with over a dozen teachers in her career and just enjoys doing something each week that is making a difference. 💕
Save the Date for Young at Art! 🎨
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the annual Young at Art gala on Friday, April 26, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Historic Irving Building, located at 155 N. Center St. in Mesa.
Come see adjudicated artwork created by talented junior- and senior-high students, and enjoy dance, musical and theatre performances, all while savoring delicious culinary creations prepared by skilled culinary arts students.
The Young at Art gala is a family-friendly event, open to all ages, and free for everyone to enjoy.
Unlock Your Teaching Potential with the ASU Teaching Fellows Program! 🍎✏️
The ASU Teaching Fellows Program is designed for instructional assistants to earn a degree and teaching credentials in only 16 months by attending an online class after school once a week and an in-person class once per month.
- Flexible Schedule: Attend online classes after school once a month.
- Engaging In-Person Sessions: Join monthly in-person classes for hands-on learning.
- Accelerated Pathway: Fast-track your way to a degree and teaching credential.
Learn more at https://education.asu.edu/paraprofessionals.
Huge round of applause to our students at Lowell Elementary for their successful performance of the play Lion King Jr at ASU Gammage. 🎭
Lowell Elementary was the only school selected in Arizona to participate in Disney Musicals in Schools, a free after-school program offered to a limited number of Title I schools around the nation each year. Through the 17-week program, elementary schools receive free performance rights and ShowKit materials, providing students with a one-of-a-kind opportunity in the arts!
This month, we honor the work and memory of Veora Johnson, the first black educational administrator in Arizona. 📚🍎
Johnson was a teacher at Washington Elementary for 17 years before being named the school's principal in 1945. Thirty years later, she would retire as Principal at Irving Elementary, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and leadership that paved the way for progress and equality in our state.
Happy Leap Day! 🐇
Students and staff from Franklin Accelerated Academy-East Campus celebrated the special occasion by wearing green and some even celebrated their 2nd birthdays! 🟢
Our Franklin Accelerated Academies are one of the many educational choices available at Mesa Public Schools. Franklin schools are nationally recognized as award-winning A+ Schools of Excellence, where strong parent involvement and support are expected. Franklin students learn respect and responsibility in an accelerated learning environment where students engage in a rigorous curriculum designed to propel them a year ahead academically.
Contact us today at 480-472-0000 to find a Franklin school near you!
