Kyrene School District

Congratulations to Kyrene Traditional Academy principal, Dr. Marianne Lescher, on being named a National Distinguished Principal by Arizona School Administrators! The National Distinguished Principal® program honors outstanding elementary and middle-level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staff in their learning communities.

Our final #KyreneValuesSpotlight for 3rd quarter is on Taylor Medina, a Resource Instructional Assistant in Preschool CCDS at Kyrene de la Estrella. Congratulations, Taylor! Her nominator shared: "Taylor knew that I have been with Kyrene for a while and I know the procedures for Kyrene, but did not know the procedures for self-contained preschool. She has been so patient and kind, filling me in on routines and protocols that they have used in this classroom. Taylor has gone above and beyond, taking my calls over the summer, helping me set up the room, and constantly providing me feedback so we can best serve our students." #KyreneValuesEducators

Please join us in celebrating CI Waggoner principal Margaret Rodriguez for receiving a Kyrene Values Educators award during 3rd quarter! Margaret was nominated by one of her colleagues for the Key Value of Collaboration. Her nominator shared that: "Margaret’s leadership at Waggoner this year has been exemplary. She consistently demonstrates a clear vision, guides our staff with confidence, and ensures everyone feels valued, motivated, and supported. The way she inspires others has not only driven our school’s success but also fostered a positive team dynamic." #KyreneValuesEducators

Our #KyreneValuesSpotlight this evening is on 1st grade Kyrene del Cielo teacher Kathy Cota! Kathy was nominated by one of her colleagues for the Key Value of Collaboration. Her nominator shared: "Kathy Cota is an exceptional teacher whose dedication and expertise have made a lasting impact on her students, their families, and the school community. In addition to working with her families, Kathy is also a highly valued collaborator within the school. She works closely with her team, as well as the math and reading AI teachers, to provide the best possible support for her students." #KyreneValuesEducators

It's time for our next #SubSaturday! Julie Cheam has teaching in her blood. She even went to school to become a teacher, but had trouble finding a position after graduation. One of her mentors recommended a position at Intel, where she spent just over 30 years working. When she retired, she managed a team of 250 employees across the world! When she retired from Intel, she shared that she wanted to do something meaningful that would also give her the flexibility to spend time with her family and travel. Thank you, Julie, for coming back to your education roots by being a substitute in Kyrene!

Carrin Collins-Rowe, an Academic Interventionist at Kyrene de los Niños, is the next awardee we are shining our #KyreneValuesSpotlight on this quarter! Carrin was nominated by one of her colleagues for the Key Value of Collaboration. Her nominator shared: "Carrin Collins-Rowe makes a difference by learning and working in unity to deliver excellence for our students, colleagues and community. She provides collaboration to staff and students at Niños by reviewing DIBELS data with grade levels, reminding teachers to progress monitor, grouping students for support in the Reading Lab and providing instruction to students, including English Learners." #KyreneValuesEducators

Tonight we celebrate Aviana Kooi, a CCD Resource Instructional Assistant at C.I. Waggoner. Aviana was nominated for the Kyrene Value of Curiosity during 3rd quarter by one of her peers who shared: "She is continuously looking for ways to make school a safer, more exciting, and comfortable place for kids to come to school. She is always looking for things to bring into the classroom and is ALWAYS bouncing ideas back and forth with all teachers here at Waggoner." Congratulations, Ms. K! #Kyrene Values Educators

Today, we celebrate the dedicated educators, staff, and leaders who make Kyrene a place of learning, growth, and inspiration. Your passion and commitment to our students, families, and community do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do to make Kyrene an incredible place to learn and work! 💙🧡👏 #TeamKyrene #EmployeeAppreciationDay

Please join us in celebrating Jazzy Fey, an Administrative Support Specialist with Kyrene's Safety and Security team! Jazzy is a 3rd quarter Kyrene Values awardee for exhibiting the Key Value of Collaboration. Jazzy's nominator shared: "You would be hard-pressed to find an individual without something kind to say about Jazmine. She has worked hard to grow in her positions over the years, being a stellar reflection on how to work above, below, around, and in collaboration with someone who operates at a baseline of kindness and care." #KyreneValuesEducators

Mindy Johnson is a 4th grade teacher at Kyrene de la Mariposa Science Academy and she is our next #KyreneValuesSpotlight tonight. Congratulations, Mindy! Mindy's nominator shared: "I am continuously in awe of my teammate, Mindy Johnson, and the way she uses her compassionate heart to connect with her students. When a student is struggling either at home or at school, Mrs. Johnson does not hesitate to courageously share her own personal experiences with students in order to help them feel like they are loved, understood, and not alone in the world." #KyreneValuesEducators