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Education

Kyrene School District honors staff, students

New recognition program launches for students

Posted 12/1/21

Arizona school districts often honor its staff members and students with recognition or reward programs, which are meant to celebrate talent and success. Kyrene School District is doing so through its Kyrene Values Teachers and Staff program while introducing a new celebration for students. 

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Education

Kyrene School District honors staff, students

New recognition program launches for students

Posted

Arizona school districts often honor its staff members and students with recognition or reward programs, which are meant to celebrate talent and success. Kyrene School District is doing so through its Kyrene Values Teachers and Staff program while introducing a new celebration for students. 

Kyrene kicked off its Kyrene Super Student award program in October with students from four different schools recognized at a recent Governing Board meeting. Previously, students were recognized at schools with a Kyrene Values Students award, but the new program has expanded to include families, the Governing Board and the entire district community. 

Super Students are chosen based on the Kyrene core values: kid, integrity, dedication and strength. Super Students exemplify all the core values with what they do in the classroom and on campus. By the end of the school year, Kyrene will have recognized approximately 52 students. 

“We are incredibly proud of our students and staff,” said Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes in a prepared statement. “Kyrene Super Students is an excellent addition to our recognition programs, and it has been a thrill for me to return to campuses for in-person staff celebrations.”

Students recognized at the Oct. 26 meeting: 

  • Andrew Pinkston of Kyrene Altadeña
  • Penelope Williams of Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School
  • Sarah Nation of Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School
  • Abaigeal Montiel of Kyrene de los Niño’s

Students recognized at the Nov. 10 Board meeting

  • Ahtziri Gamboa of Kyrene Centennial
  • Josiah Powell of Kyrene de la Estrella
  • Kristen Schuler of Kyrene Digital Academy
  • Malachi Snider of Kyrene Middle School

Students recognized at the Nov. 24 Board meeting

  • Dylan Oxenhandler of Kyrene Traditional Academy
  • Persephone Bodner of Kyrene de la Esperanza
  • Mark Stout of Kyrene de los Lagos
  • Mikayla Horvat of Kyrene Monte Vista

The next Kyrene Super Student recognition will take place at the Dec. 14 Governing Board meeting.

The Kyrene Values Teachers and Staff award was established several years ago and became a virtual celebration when the pandemic hit Arizona in early 2020. Ths school year, Kyrene has started recognizing staff in person at their school or work sites once again.

Each quarter, the superintendent visits all 26 schools and the district office to hand deliver the awards. Similar to Kyrene Super Students, this year, principals and department leaders are nominating Kyrene Values honorees based on the Kyrene Core Values. 

In quarter one, individuals who have shown tremendous dedication to Kyrene were recognized. In quarter two, principals nominated staff members who always put kids first. The quarter three award will recognize those who show integrity and strength, and quarter four will honor staff members who are in their first years of the profession. During the 2021-22 school year, more than 200 staff members will be recognized.