Kyrene Ranked Best in Ahwatukee! 

I am proud to share that Kyrene School District and two Kyrene educators have been recognized in the 2023 Best of Ahwatukee community poll. 

I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to two extraordinary Kyrene educators: Eileen Byrne-Quinn of Kyrene de los Cerritos, and Ann Trent of Kyrene de la Sierra. They each have been recognized by the community in the category of Best Elementary Teacher. We are grateful for your tireless dedication to educating the children in our community.

Additionally, Kyrene has once again been named Ahwatukee’s Best Place to Work by educators and staff. This recognition is truly a testament to the incredible individuals who call Kyrene home. Thank you for creating a space where your fellow teachers, support staff and administrators feel welcomed and appreciated. I echo your pride in Kyrene, and am honored to serve alongside you.

This month, we are highlighting a student who demonstrates the Critical Thinker trait from our Portrait of a Kyrene Kid. To be a Critical Thinker, students should demonstrate thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence, be able to analyze and evaluate difficult or complex situations, and ask questions to further understanding. 

For this trait, we are proud to recognize Alessandra Hurtado, a fourth grade student from Kyrene de la Paloma Arts Integration Academy.

Alessandra exemplifies what it means to be a critical thinker, while creating kind and compassionate interactions with her peers and teachers. Alessandra is inclusive of others and goes out of her way to ensure all students feel welcomed. In class, she is quick to volunteer an answer during whole group instruction, and inspires her peers to think critically by providing meaningful feedback to her partners during group work, and always asks poignant questions to stay an active learner throughout the day. When Alessandra hits a learning roadblock, she remains open-minded as she seeks support from her peers and teachers. Thank you, Alessandra, for being a shining example of what it means to be a Kyrene Kid!

Kyrene Super Students

Since my last message, we had the opportunity to recognize 8 outstanding students from across Kyrene. These Super Students were selected by their principals for exemplifying one or more of the core competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Kyrene Kid. Please join me in congratulating the following Kyrene kids:

February Super Students 

Celine Lawrance, Kyrene de los Niños
Kwest Johnson, Kyrene de la Esperanza
Adelle Bradley, Kyrene de la Mariposa
Alessandra Hurtado, Kyrene de la Paloma
Natalie Maunula, Kyrene de la Estrella
Sophia Shepherd, Kyrene de la Sierra
Braxton Eastin, Kyrene de los Lagos
Ellie Farley, Kyrene de las Manitas

Sincerely,

Laura Toenjes
Superintendent