The Kyrene School District understands the importance of recognizing the outstanding programs and staff at Kyrene schools. Additionally, Kyrene believes it is important to recognize its staff for their hard work and commitment to Kyrene students. The Kyrene Recognition program provides the opportunity for the District and its staff to learn about, apply for and receive awards from organizations recognizing excellence in education.

Recently, the Kyrene School District, its departments and its staff have been recognized by a number of local and national organizations with prestigious awards.

ASPRA*tions Awards

Kyrene School District, Award of Excellence in Public Relations
Kyrene was recognized for their development and implementation of a comprehensive communications plan, which has included:

  •   The establishment of ambitious internal communication vehicles and procedures within the district

  • An aggressive advertising campaign focused on generating awareness and boosting enrollment

  • Enhanced communication between the District and community members, business leaders, civic leaders and parents.

Dr. Maria Menconi, Award of Merit for Contributions to Public Education
Kyrene superintendent Dr. Maria Menconi was presented with coveted 2004 ASPRA*tions Awards, competition for which spans school districts statewide. Dr. Menconi was recognized for forming a communications department and launching a comprehensive marketing and advertising initiative. The marketing efforts have enabled the District to maintain a high level of public confidence retaining an overwhelming majority of students living within District boundaries.

Sen. Slade Mead, Award of Excellence for Contributions to Public Education
Senator Mead, who is also a member of the Kyrene School District Governing Board, was recognized for his contributions to public education in his role as a government official. Sen. Mead has been a fervent and passionate supporter of education issues as a member of the legislature.

Arizona Educational Foundation

Kyrene de la Mariposa, A+ School
Congratulations are in order to Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary School, which was selected as an A+ school last week. The A+ School Recognition Program is designed to identify and recognize schools whose practices exemplify excellence in the following areas: student focus and support, active teaching and learning, curriculum, community/parent involvement, leadership and assessment. The A+ Program is open to K-12 public schools throughout Arizona. The A+ Program is a tremendous catalyst for bringing together the surrounding community and its local neighborhood school.

Mariposa was selected after a lengthy application process and site visit by a review panel consisting of teachers, administrators, community volunteers and business leaders. Preparation of the application involves students, faculty, administration and the surrounding community.

IPM Institute of North America

Kyrene School District, IPM STAR designation
Kyrene School District was certified under the IPM STAR program by the IPM Institute of North America, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program. This certificate is in recognition of Kyrene's industry-leading school pest management program. Kyrene is the third district in the country to achieve this recognition.

IPM STAR certification is a rigorous process that includes an on-site evaluation by a trained independent professional. The evaluator examines the history of pest problems, the condition of buildings and grounds as well as any pesticides used in the past three years. The school must have an IPM policy and plan in place to guide administrators and staff as they respond to pest issues, and including preventing problems before they occur.

Tempe Human Relations Commission

Alicia Holt and Shari Ayers, Diversity Award
Holt and Ayers, both teachers at Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary school, received the Diversity Award for designing and implementing a Multicultural Awareness Week that focuses on the diverse heritage, cultures and languages of Mariposa families.

Kyrene Middle School Site-based Council, Diversity Award
The Kyrene Middle School Site-based Council was recognized for its “Caring Majority” program, which supports students speaking about against bullying. The “Caring Majority” program helps ensure the safety of the Kyrene Middle School campus, making a school a fun place to learn and providing an environment for character and integrity to blossom.

Contact
To submit a potential award opportunity, or for more information about the Kyrene Recognition Program, please contact Kelly Alexander at (480) 783-4175 or kalexa@kyrene.org.