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480-541-1002

Attendance:

480-541-1002

 

 

Superintendent's Message

February 11, 2026

Dear Kyrene Community,
 

We may be over halfway through the school year, but there is still so much to look forward to across Kyrene. From celebrating our National Board Certified Teachers to our Kyrene Super Students and the special moments happening in classrooms every day, our schools and community are coming together and becoming stronger. I want to thank you, our community, for your continued partnership and trust as we move Kyrene forward, together. As we approach spring break, I encourage everyone to take time to relax and recharge for the busy months ahead.  

Congratulations, NBC Teachers!

Recently, members of my Cabinet team and I joined Dr. Jo Shurman, Kyrene's Director of Professional Growth and Development, to surprise new and newly renewed National Board Certified Teachers in our District. This is the highest certification an educator can achieve in the United States and requires teachers to undergo a rigorous and reflective process. It is truly a testament to a teacher's dedication and passion for education. Please join us in congratulating the following teachers:

Newly Certified:

  • Kelly Nelson, Kyrene Aprende Middle School

Renewing Certification:

  • Katie Anderson, Kyrene de la Sierra
  • Julio Contreras, Kyrene Middle School
  • Tiffani Montelione, Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy
  • Dr. Jo Shurman, Kyrene School District Office

Enrollment Now Open!

Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open for new students, change school requests, preschool programs, and before- and after-school programming at www.kyrene.org/enroll. Current and prospective families are invited to learn more about Kyrene schools and take virtual tours of each of our campuses by visiting www.kyrene.org/kyrenekids. 

February Update

January brought a high volume of communications for families and staff impacted by upcoming school consolidation. We shared information about enrollment patterns, transportation, preschool and special education services, and our online FAQs continue to grow as questions arise.

Last month, schools brought educators together to begin building relationships and a shared purpose among staff who will be joining next year, and this week, schools held exclusive welcome events for families experiencing a change next year.

Kyrene de la Mirada welcomed Kyrene de las Manitas families for a spirited information night.

Kyrene del Milenio welcomed Kyrene de la Estrella families for a night of bonding through play.

Kyrene has also formed a guiding coalition of employees who care deeply about supporting a smooth transition for staff, protecting the student experience, and making #KyreneStronger. Nearly 100 employees volunteered to be part of this work, and the coalition held its first meetings in January.

Black History Month

This February marks 100 years of national recognition of Black History Month. First observed as a week in 1926, it expanded to a month in 1976 and was officially designated by Public Law 99-244 in 1986.

While February creates a dedicated space for recognition and reflection, the stories, achievements and contributions of Black Americans — past and present — enrich our learning and conversations throughout the year. We invite families to discover ways to learn more by visiting ASALH.org/Black-History-Month.

Tax Credits

Tax season is here, and there’s still time to make a difference for Kyrene students. Tax credit donations directly fund arts, music, field trips, guest speakers, and other enriching programs that help shape students into well-rounded learners and future leaders. You can claim up to $400 per couple or $200 per individual, reducing your tax liability while supporting Kyrene schools.

Make a Donation

District Spelling Bee Winners

I am excited to share that Josh Garcia, a 7th grade student at Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School is the District Spelling Bee Champion. Josh is following in the footsteps of his older sibling, Isabelle, who won the district bee the past two years in a row and went on to compete in the national bee. 
Top spellers from across Kyrene competed at the Kyrene School District Spelling Bee on Thursday, January 15, at the district office. After six rounds of competition, Josh correctly spelled the championship word harbinger to clinch the title. Kyrene’s top three spellers are:

  • Josh Garcia (grade 7), Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School
  • Ismail Aslam (grade 8), Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School
  • Laura Hoyt (grade 7), Kyrene Altadeña Middle School
Three students stand shoulder to shoulder with their spelling bee numbers on their chests. One student on the right also has a spelling bee medal.

These three spellers will advance to the Maricopa County Regional Bee, hosted this year at our district office on February 21. We look forward to welcoming spellers from throughout Maricopa County in two weeks!

Kyrene Super Students

Please join us in recognizing two amazing groups of Kyrene Super Students! These students were nominated by their principals for exemplifying the competencies from the Portrait of a Kyrene Kid.

Valerie C. and Danielle H.
Kyrene Centennial Middle School

Carson F. and Caroline S.
Kyrene de las Lomas

Alisia H. and Lucy N.
Kyrene de las Manitas Innovation Academy

Giovanny A.A. and Alessandra V.
Kyrene del Cielo

Ethan G. and Charlie M.
Kyrene de la Mirada Leadership Academy

Shaela M. and Jaxson S.
Kyrene Monte Vista

Thank you to our sponsors, KTR Ahwatukee, Zzeeks Pizza, Jeremiah's Italian Ice and the Kyrene Foundation for providing gifts to our Super Students.

Sincerely,

Laura Toenjes, Superintendent