Kyrene School District Invests in Employees With Additional Pay Increase

Kyrene School District is using new State funding to invest in its most valuable resource: employees. The budget passed late last month by the Arizona Legislature provided a large enough increase in education funding for Kyrene to add to the pay increases it had already planned for this year.

Capturing Hearts and Minds at Kyrene del Milenio

Kyrene del Milenio Elementary School is hoping to “capture kids’ hearts” with the launch of a new training program this year. Kyrene del Milenio staff will embrace their own love for learning through the Capturing Kids’ Hearts initiative.

Kyrene Teacher a Candidate for Arizona Teacher of the Year

Rodney “Scott” Harnisch, a music teacher at Kyrene del Norte Dual Language Academy, has been named a top 10 candidate for the 2023 Arizona Teacher of the Year® award. The annual award by the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) is widely considered the highest honor bestowed upon Arizona’s public school teachers.

Apply for Free & Reduced Meals

Applications are now open for Free and Reduced Meals for the 2022-23 school year! Families are encouraged to apply online or pick up a paper application from their school sites. Students attending both in-person and Kyrene Digital Academy are eligible to apply.

Kyrene Governing Board Approves 2-2-2 Calendar Adoption

The Kyrene Governing Board voted on May 24 to adopt calendars for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years. The calendars reflect a transition to a new model, beginning in 2023-24.

Creativity is in Bloom in Kyrene School District

Springtime in Kyrene School District is the season for creative exploration and endeavors.

Kyrene Staff Receive Excellence in Education Awards

Teachers and staff from around Kyrene School District were recognized last night at the 33rd annual Tempe Diablos Excellence in Education award ceremony.

Kyrene de las Lomas Celebrates Cultural Diversity at One World, One Night Event

Kyrene de las Lomas families traveled around the world last Friday – no checked bags or airfare required. The One World, One Night event was an engaging and educational experience that brought the Lomas community together to celebrate diversity in their school and beyond.

Kyrene Gifted Students Invent Creative Solutions with Purpose for People and Planet

During two in-person evening events on March 23rd and 30th, Kyrene 5th grade students in the gifted enrichment program proudly presented projects and prototypes to teachers, administrators, and community members.

Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes Honored for Earning AASA National Superintendent Certification

Kyrene Superintendent Graduates from First-Ever Arizona Cohort for National Superintendent Certification.

Kyrene Altadeña Water Walk Raises Funds for South Sudan

The Altadeña Water Walk benefits the non-profit organization, Water for South Sudan, which builds wells and provides hygiene education for Sudanese villages.

Kyrene School District Virtual Art Show

Kyrene Staff Announced as Finalists for Tempe Diablos Excellence in Education Awards

Tempe Diablos name 13 Kyrene staff members finalists for Excellence in Education Awards.

National Board Certified Kyrene Teachers Honored

Three Kyrene School District teachers have earned the highest credential available to American educators by becoming a National Board Certified Teacher through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) this year. Two Kyrene teachers achieved a renewal of their National Board Certification.

Kyrene Aprende Middle School Receives National Recognition for High Performance

Kyrene Aprende Middle School recognized nationally.

Innovation and Inspiration at Kyrene de las Manitas

Educators from across the country were invited to Manitas to see innovation in action.

Kyrene Past, Present and Future: A Ben Furlong Education Center Celebration

“Once a part of Kyrene, always part of Kyrene,” said current Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes. “That is certainly true for Dr. Ben Furlong, who is not only a legendary former Kyrene Superintendent but also the keeper of so many of our Kyrene stories.”

Kyrene School Offers College & Career Readiness for Students with Special Needs

Aprende was named an AVID school of distinction and is currently in the running to become a National AVID Demonstration School.

Champion Speller Claims Title in 2022 Kyrene School District Spelling Bee

Top spellers from across Kyrene competed in person for the first time in two years at the Kyrene School District Spelling Bee on Thursday, January 27, 2022.

15 Kyrene Schools Achieve AmAZing Accomplishment

Several Kyrene schools were honored with the 2021 - 22 PBIS AmAZing Award.

Kyrene Student Artwork Recognized at Tempe Festival of the Arts

Participating in the Tempe Festival of the Arts put Kyrene student artwork on the same stage as artwork created by professional artists from around the country.

Nominate a Kyrene Educator for Tempe Diablos Excellence in Education Awards

Each year, thanks to your nominations, we have the honor and privilege of watching Kyrene employees receive awards due to their phenomenal work in classrooms and around the District.

Kyrene School District Honors Staff & Students

Kyrene School District is continuing the tradition of honoring employees through the Kyrene Values Teachers and Staff program, and this year, the District introduced a brand-new celebration for students.

Tax Credits Enhance Learning and Enrichment Opportunities for Kyrene Students

Take charge and have a say in how your tax dollars are put to work. By making a tax credit contribution to Kyrene Schools, you are telling the State of Arizona how you want your money spent.

Kyrene School District Increases Pay for Substitute Teachers

The rate of pay for substitute teachers in Kyrene School District will now be $175 per day, up from $115. The Kyrene Governing Board approved the pay increase for substitute teachers at the November 23 Board meeting.

Kyrene Teachers Receive Grants from Fiesta Bowl Charities

Three Kyrene teachers informed that their wish has been granted.

Voters Say “Yes” to Kyrene School District Maintenance & Operations Override Continuation

On November 2, 2021, the Kyrene School District asked registered voters living within district boundaries to renew/continue a 15% maintenance and operations budget override.

Kyrene Middle School Mariachi Program Receives International Recognition

The Kyrene Middle School (KMS) Mariachi program was recently recognized on the world stage.

Kyrene Teachers Receive City of Tempe Arts Grants

Eight Kyrene School District teachers are celebrating the award of Arts in Education grants from the City of Tempe.

Kyrene de las Manitas Receives Grant from Tempe Diablos

Kyrene de las Manitas Elementary School will receive a $6,750 grant from Tempe Diablos Charities. Manitas will use the grant money to build diversity libraries in every school classroom. Manitas is a No Place for Hate (NPFH) campus, and diversity libraries are a component of this national initiative to combat bias and bullying.

Arizona Diamondbacks Honor Kyrene STEM Teacher

You can feel Mr. Jordan’s passion for STEM education from the moment you walk into his classroom. He makes class fun and engaging. STEM toys and tools like 3D printers and model rockets fill his room to show students how STEM impacts their everyday lives.

Kyrene Schools Host Patriot Day Ceremonies

This month marks 20 years since nearly 3,000 of our fellow Americans lost their lives in the September 11th attacks. In honor of that day, the nation recognizes 9/11 as a Day of Service and Remembrance. In the Kyrene School District, many schools planned Patriot Day ceremonies to show their appreciation for the men and women of the military and for all the first responders who keep our communities, neighborhoods, and schools safe.

Kindergarten Teacher Surprised with $2,000 in #ThankATeacher Contest

The work of one of our exceptional Cielo educators was recently recognized in a national contest. Kindergarten teacher Megan Dunkelberger was awarded the Staples #ThankATeacher recognition, making her one of just 20 recipients nationwide.

Kyrene Business Services Team Awarded Certificate of Financial Excellence

the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada awarded Kyrene Elementary School District No. 28 GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement (COA) for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Kyrene Business Services Team has received this award every year for nearly three decades.

Two Kyrene Leaders Receive "Exemplary Principal" Award

The Office of the Maricopa County School Superintendent has announced that Renee Kory, Principal at Aprende Middle School and Kelley Brunner, Principal at Kyrene de la Colina Elementary School are recipients of the “Exemplary Principal” Award.

Congratulations to our Tempe Diablos Excellence in Education Finalists!

Kyrene School District is proud to announce the finalists for the Tempe Diablos 2021 Excellence in Education Awards.

Kyrene Student Places in Top Ten at State Bee

Kyrene’s annual District Spelling Bee may have taken a different format this year, but students were still eager to put their knowledge to the test and out-spell their peers.

Kyrene Reintroduces Early Release

Kyrene School District will be reintroducing early release dates into the calendar for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. Students are encouraged to use early release dates for independent study, homework catch up, social-emotional activities and self-reflection.

Kyrene Names New Superintendent

Assistant Superintendent Laura Toenjes will serve as the next Superintendent of Kyrene School District. The Kyrene Governing Board voted unanimously on November 24 to approve Ms. Toenjes’s contract. Her first day as Superintendent will be January 1, 2021.

Kyrene Celebrates A+ recognition by Arizona Educational Foundation

Kyrene School District’s list of A+ schools continues to grow. Three schools have just earned the coveted Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) A+ School of Excellence™ award, bringing the total number of A+ Kyrene schools to 16.

Kyrene teachers receive arts grants from City of Tempe

Three Kyrene Middle School teachers will be making music with the help of arts grants from the City of Tempe. The City of Tempe Fall Arts in Education grants award up to $750 to teachers at Tempe schools.

Kyrene teacher and student receive International Baccalaureate awards

A Kyrene teacher and former student are the recipients of the 2020 Arizona International Baccalaureate Schools Middle Years Programme Teacher of the Year and Student of the Year awards.

Kyrene teacher awarded $1,000 certificate from Fiesta Bowl Charities

This week, Kyrene Traditional Academy 3rd grade teacher Julie Ormiston was recognized by Fiesta Bowl Charities and College Football Playoffs for being an unsung hero for her students, families and KTA team.

Kyrene student receives 2020-21 Arizona Indian Education Association scholarship

A Kyrene student is a recipient of this year’s Arizona Indian Education Association (AIEA) Student Scholarship. Akimel A-al Middle School 7th grader Hayden Connor will be awarded the Middle School/Junior High Exemplary Scholarship.

Kyrene School District Purchases HEPA Filters

Kyrene Elementary School District’s Governing Board just approved the purchase of HEPA air filtration systems for every classroom in Kyrene. The Board voted to approved the purchase at its August 25 meeting, and all filters are scheduled for installation prior to September 17, when the first students will return for in-person instruction.

Banner Health’s Safety Town uses Kyrene campus to teach life-saving lessons

Banner Health’s Safety Town first “popped up” in Arizona in 2017. This fictional town fits in the back of a large truck, ready for their next pop-up event. 3D houses, swimming pools and roadways help educate children on common dangers inside and outside of the home.

NEA Foundation Selects Kyrene Educator to Receive National Award

Each year the National Education Association (NEA) Foundation selects public school educators from across the country to receive the prestigious California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Superintendent Statement on Inclusion

Kyrene Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely just delivered a statement during tonight’s Governing Board meeting.

Kyrene announces Poetry Contest winners

Each year, Kyrene hosts a Poetry Contest where students can submit and recite their favorite works. While we can't gather to celebrate them in person, we hope you will join us in congratulating our 2020 Poetry Contest winners!

Six Kyrene schools receive "No Place for Hate" designation

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has announced its list of schools in Arizona that have earned the designation of a “No Place for Hate” for 2020.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

You are the hearts, hand and minds of our front lines. Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!

Kyrene Values Teachers & Staff

The Kyrene Values Teachers & Staff awards looked a little different this spring, but Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely still found a way to surprise the winners. This quarter, Kyrene employees were given the opportunity to recognize their colleagues through Kyrene Values Staff and Kyrene Values Teachers nominations.

Virtual District Art Showcase

The Kyrene School District Art Showcase is an annual tradition that brings hundreds of pieces of artwork to District Office. It's an event that our students, teachers and families look forward to each year, and we are keeping the tradition alive by hosting it virtually on this page. While the showcase may look a little different this year, we still hope you enjoy the wonderful works created by our young artists.

Kyrene Middle School student receives Courage Award from the City of Tempe

In March, Kaylee was recognized as part of Kyrene's Courage Awards for being an inspiring leader and positive role model in the face of adversity. We are proud to share that Kaylee was also recognized by the City of Tempe for the 2020 Tempe Youthfest and Courage Awards.

Congratulations to Kyrene's Tempe Diablos Excellence in Education Award finalists

Congratulations to our Kyrene Excellence in Education Award finalists! For 30+ years, the Tempe Diablos have awarded educators and school staff for their dedication in enhancing learning, promoting positive school culture, and for leaving a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the community as a whole.

Kyrene celebrates Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and our Kyrene students are engaging in a variety of activities that promote their learning and understanding of the stories, struggles and accomplishments of those who contribute to our collective American story.

Kyrene students share inventions at the 5th Grade Gifted Showcase

From biodegradable balloons to taco drones, students showed off their original inventions at the Kyrene School District Gifted Showcase. 5th grade students proudly displayed their projects and prototypes that outlined the conceptual process, creative design and final trials.

Kyrene Honor Band, Orchestra and Choir perform at Honor Music Festival

On Thursday, Kyrene School District students, parents and community members gathered to celebrate a long-standing tradition that recognizes the importance of the performing arts.

Kyrene School District Spelling Bee

The top spellers from around Kyrene School District competed last night at the annual District Spelling Bee. The 25 participants ranged from students in grades 4 to 8 and were the winners of their individual school spelling bees.

Kyrene students attend Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life

Middle school students from Kyrene School District discovered what it means to be “Difference Makers” at the fourth annual “Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life” conference that took place earlier this week.

Kyrene educators earn National Board Certification

Two Kyrene educators were recognized in December, 2019 by Kyrene School District and Arizona K12 Center for earning National Board Certification (NBC).

Kyrene's SSC collect and bag hygiene items for the FRC

The students who serve on the Kyrene Student/Superintendent Council (SSC) were tasked with coordinating a donation drive at their schools to support the Kyrene Family Resource Center (KFRC).

Nominations open for 2020 Tempe Diablos Excellence in Education Awards

Nominations are officially open for the 2020 Tempe Diablos Excellence in Education Awards!

Kyrene students continue to grow and excel on AzMERIT

2019 AzMERIT results are now available, and Kyrene School District’s results demonstrate the District’s ongoing commitment to ensuring all students learn, lead and achieve.

Kyrene de la Sierra named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School

Kyrene de la Sierra, in the Kyrene School District, has just received the prestigious 2019 National Blue Ribbon Award from the United States Department of Education. Kyrene de la Sierra is among only five Arizona schools to receive this year’s coveted National Blue Ribbon recognition.

Seven Kyrene teachers receive grants from City of Tempe

Kyrene School District teachers are celebrating the award of seven grants from the City of Tempe to make everything from music to murals. Each year, Tempe awards grants up to $750. Seven Kyrene fine arts, performing arts and music teachers each qualified for the full amount.

Kyrene students learn with AR/VR technology aboard the zSpace Bus

Fifth graders at Kyrene de la Colina and Kyrene de la Mariposa hopped aboard the zSpace Bus this week for science lessons with a twist.

Kartchner brings "Save the Kids" presentation back to middle schools and community

Recap of Collin Kartchner's presentations to Kyrene middle school students and the community on the dangers of social media and screen-time.

Leaders named exemplary principals

Two Kyrene School District principals have just received the Maricopa County Exemplary Principal Award. Dr. Ana Gomez del Castillo, Principal of Kyrene de los Lagos Dual Language Academy, and Nancy Branch, Principal of Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy, accepted the awards during surprise celebrations at their schools.

Kyrene A+ Schools of Excellence™

The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) announced the names of Arizona public schools receiving the coveted A+ School of Excellence™ award for the 2018-19 academic year on April 8, 2019.

"Imagine the Possibilities" school approved by Board

The Kyrene School District Governing Board voted Tuesday, February 12, to approve the implementation of a program with two primary goals: Engage students in a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence and prepares them to be innovators and leaders of tomorrow; and deploy educators in non-traditional ways by creating new roles and staffing structures which will attract and retain high-quality staff and reinvigorate the teaching profession.

Governing Board action on budget proposals

The Kyrene School Governing Board voted on the proposals for 2019-20 budget reductions in all three focus areas at the Tuesday, January 22 board meeting.

Kyrene Teacher Nominated for MacGregor Teaching Award

Mr. Dave Carras, a teacher at Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy in Chandler, was nominated for the Hannah E. (Liz) MacGregor Teacher of the Year History Teacher Award.

Kyrene School District awards contract to support ongoing equity work

As part of Kyrene School District’s commitment to ensure equity among all students, the District has announced the selection of Corwin Consulting to perform professional development and training on equity and diversity.

Spellers Compete for Title of 2019 Kyrene School District Spelling Bee Champion

It was a packed house at the annual Kyrene School District Spelling Bee on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. All 25 Kyrene schools sent representatives to compete.

Students pay tribute to 9/11 heroes

Seventeen years after the tragic events of 9/11, we now live in a world where not a single one of our Ahwatukee school-age children can recall a time before that day. But a tradition among Kyrene schools ensures children learn to value and respect not only fallen heroes, but also those who still serve today, with special assemblies held on 9/11.

Connecting with kids in need

Have you ever seen a child without a backpack? Or with shoes a size too small? Maybe you’ve heard of a family who lost their home to a fire, and you didn’t know how to help. Our Kyrene students and families have needs far beyond the classroom, so we are reaching into our community to meet those needs, with a new tool called Purposity.

Tempe Diablos honors staff

Once again, the Tempe Diablos are recognizing teachers and staff from the Kyrene School District, Tempe Elementary School District and Tempe Union High School District for inspiration, impact and achievement. Teachers and staff were nominated for the awards by students, families, peers, and principals.

Two schools receive civic award from ADE

Kyrene Traditional Academy and Kyrene de los Lagos Elementary have recognized as Arizona Excellence in Civic Engagement Merit School recipients by the Arizona Department of Education at the 5th Annual Civic Learning Conference.

Choose Kyrene for your child's education

Schools emphasize high academic standards, invite strong parental involvement, and support a “whole child” approach to learning. The middle school framework is built upon academic excellence, responsive instruction, and student agency. Kyrene inspires students to develop a passion for learning, leading and achieving!