Jack Barnes Elementary School (JBE) in the Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) is now an A+ School of Excellence. This recognition is the highest state-level award granted by the Arizona Educational Foundation.
"We are proud to add another A+ School of Excellence to our district," said QCUSD Superintendent Dr. Perry Berry. "This award demonstrates the hard work and commitment of our administrators, teachers and staff members."
JBE is one of just 36 schools across the state to earn the recognition this year. It comes after an extensive application process that involves submitting a written application which is then reviewed by a panel of A+ principals, teachers and district leaders. If accepted, judges then conduct a multi-day site visit.
“The A+ School of Excellence Award is significant as it sends a message throughout communities that the local neighborhood public school down the street is an exceptional choice, brimming with opportunities for students to learn and grow, and for faculty and staff to thrive,” said Kim Graham, executive director of the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF). “AEF was established to shine a spotlight on the great work of public schools and the hardworking educators and employees who devote themselves to serving students and families. The A+ School of Excellence Award is our way of honoring that incredible dedication.”
Principal Dawn Kennaugh is proud of the hard work it took to receive this meaningful award.
"This award recognizes the outstanding instruction and culture we have at JBE, letting our community and parents know that we not only have high expectations for ourselves and our students, but we meet and exceed those high expectations," Kennaugh said.
To learn more about QCUSD's latest A+ School of Excellence, click here.
Other area schools being recognized by the AEF with the coveted A+ School of Excellence Award, sponsored by Fiesta Bowl Charities, for the 2022-2023 academic year are Higley High School in the Higley Unified School District and Neely Traditional Academy in the Gilbert Unified School District.
“We are thrilled to partner with Fiesta Bowl Charities for this prestigious award,” said Pam Roggeman, AEF board president. “Their generosity of spirit and belief in the potential of youth to change the world through a foundation of education embodies the same type of dedication our public school educators display every day in reaching students and serving families.”
The AEF A+ School of Excellence Award recognition began in 1983 as a way of identifying, celebrating and recognizing educational excellence in schools throughout Arizona. In addition to showcasing exceptional public schools, the award application process provides school teams with a comprehensive framework that serves as a basis for school self-assessment and planning. The A+ School of Excellence Award is the highest state-level award given to a public school and is often a stepping-stone for schools seeking National Blue Ribbon status.
“Support for education is at the heart of Fiesta Bowl Charities and we are honored to support Arizona Educational Foundation’s mission to cultivate excellence in public schools for the children who will be our leaders of tomorrow,” said Erik Moses, Fiesta Bowl executive director and CEO. “On behalf of our board of directors, Yellow Jacket Committee, staff and thousands of volunteers, we congratulate the 36 schools across the state for their dedicated work to earn this prestigious award and commitment to driving student achievement. The Fiesta Bowl’s partnership with AEF on the A+ Schools of Excellence program strengthens our commitment to access to quality education within our communities.”
