Two Scottsdale elementary schools—Anasazi and Laguna—were recognized today as A+ schools by the Arizona Educational Foundation. Only 11 schools statewide earned the honor this year. The A+ School Recognition Program identifies schools whose practices exemplify excellence in student focus and support, active teaching and learning, curriculum, community-parent involvement, and leadership.

“The designation signifies that Anasazi and Laguna are Arizona model schools,” noted Barbara F. Erwin, superintendent.

“We are proud that two of our 20 elementary schools have joined the ranks of A+,” said Don Jefferies, associate superintendent. “We are especially proud of the students, teachers, staff, and parents who helped the principals with this achievement.”

“This demonstrates that we’re moving in the right direction with school improvement plans,” Mr. Jefferies noted, adding that he is encouraging all of the District’s schools to apply for the A+ designation.

Anasazi Principal Jeff Quisberg said the rigorous application process was part of his school’s self-evaluation plan.

“We tied the application process to the school theme: Learning is a journey to new worlds. The theme and the application process carried us forward this year,” Mr. Quisberg said. “Anasazi has become a very global school with children from 19 nations and 41 states,” he added.

This is the second time Anasazi, under the principalship of Mr. Quisberg, achieved the three-year A+ designation. Anasazi previously was recognized in 1995.

Laguna Elementary School also was named A+ this year. “It’s a wonderful honor with compliments to the collaboration of students, teachers, parents, and the community,” said Principal Keith Powell.

“The major emphasis at Laguna this year, which contributed to this success, was the effort to promote character counts. That made an impact on Laguna,” Dr. Powell said.

Mountainside Middle School, Ingleside Middle School, and Sequoya Elementary School are other schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) that currently carry the A+ distinction, which is a three-year designation awarded by the Arizona Educational Foundation.

In past years, other SUSD schools that earned the A+ distinction included Arcadia High School, Saguaro High School, Mohave Middle School, Cherokee Elementary School, and Hopi Elementary School.
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