Dear families,

Spring Break is a time to pause, recharge and embrace new possibilities. It’s also a good moment to explore and "Find What’s Inside" Mesa Public Schools. Whether it’s curiosity, creativity or resilience, this season reminds us that growth happens in many ways—inside and outside the classroom.

I'd like to share a few updates in our three focus areas - Academic and Instructional Development, Community Engagement and Safety, and Organizational and Operational Efficiency.

Congratulations to our 2025 A+ Schools - Porter and Washington elementary schools! The A+ School of Excellence designation is given out through the Arizona Education Foundation and is the highest state-level recognition given to a public school. This is a huge accomplishment and I'm so proud of both of these schools.

State Champions

February was an outstanding month for our student-athletes! The AIA Unified Basketball Championship featured three of our high schools (Mesa, Skyline and Westwood). Westwood’s Unified Warriors took home their first AIA state championship in Division II while Mesa and Skyline finished runner-up in their respective divisions.

Over on the mat, Mountain View came home from the AIA State Wrestling Tournament with three individual champions: 

• Annabelle Kaufmann - Division I 120 lbs State Champion

• JJ Beauvais - Division I 138 lbs State Champion

• Delton Kaufmann - Returning Division I 190 lbs State Champion

International Baccalaureate (IB) World Team Visit

Westwood High School hosted the International Baccalaureate (IB) World team last week, with visitors from Kansas City, Washington, D.C. and the Netherlands. The team remarked that Westwood is "a proof point in the nation of what is possible when educators are encouraged and supported by knowledgeable and curious leaders who model the collaboration and teamwork required to make high-quality education a reality for as many students as possible."

Mesa Public Schools currently offers IB at Westwood High School, Carson Junior High, Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies and Summit Academy. Find out more about what’s inside the IB program in Mesa Public Schools. 

State Testing is Coming Up – Help Your Child Be Prepared

State testing is right around the corner for students in grades 3-9 and 11. These assessments are required and not only help measure your child’s learning but also play a role in your school’s overall performance rating. For high school students, test scores also contribute to College and Career Readiness Index (CCRI) points, which help show how well schools are preparing students for success after graduation.

Here’s how you can help your student feel prepared and confident on testing days:

• Check your school’s testing schedule – Testing begins after Spring Break and goes through the month of April. Please check with your school regarding their specific testing days.

• Ensure good rest – A full night’s sleep helps students stay focused and do their best.

• Be on time & present – Attendance matters every day, but especially during testing. Please avoid scheduling appointments during your child’s testing schedule.

• Encourage their best effort – These tests are a way for students to show what they know. Encourage them to take their time, read carefully, stay positive and try their best.

Thank you for partnering with us to help your students succeed.

We have exciting news for parents of bus riders! Beginning March 17, parents will be able to download and use the SMART tag™ Parent App. This app allows you to keep track of your student’s bus-riding activity and receive SMART alerts. Have your student's ID number (available on their student ID or on ParentVue) to make registration smoother. The app includes the ability to:

• View your student’s profile and assigned route(s)

• Monitor your student’s riding activity

• Be notified when your student loads/unloads from the bus at home and school

The app works best when students use their student ID to scan on/off the bus each time, so please remind your student to wear their ID every day. For more details, visit mpsaz.org/transportation.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our first School Choice Fair. Participants were able to visit different schools and programs, watch spectacular performances from our students and even try Food and Nutrition’s famous orange chicken. If you missed out, but are interested in finding out more of what's inside Mesa Public Schools, be sure to schedule a tour.

As a reminder, K-12 enrollment is now open, and our incredible preschool programs are also accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year.

Options include:

• Half-day programs at many of our neighborhood schools

• Montessori preschool at Sirrine Montessori Center and Bush Elementary

• Full-day preschool at four of our high schools

I’m also excited to share that Bezos Academy, a free full-day Montessori-inspired preschool, will be coming to three of our schools (Poston Jr. High, Fremont Jr. High and O’Connor Elementary) in the Fall. They are also accepting applications for next school year.

March 17 is the last day to share your thoughts for the proposed school year calendars for 2026-27 and 2027-28. Your feedback is crucial in helping the district make informed decisions that best support our students, staff and community.

Shortly after Spring Break, you will receive a follow-up survey asking your opinion about moving weekly early release days from Wednesday to Monday. Stay tuned!

Last month, we asked families, staff and community members what they loved about our schools. The responses were so heartwarming. The following themes were consistently highlighted:

• Supportive and passionate principals who prioritize students and staff.

• Dedicated teachers who collaborate and care deeply about student success.

• A culture of community and belonging, where everyone feels valued and supported.

• Opportunities for students to thrive, both academically and socially.

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts. We love hearing what makes our schools special to you. My Question of the Month will return in April.

Zaharis Elementary was the Spotlight School for the Feb. 25 Board meeting.

• Exceptional Student: Parker Adams

• Exceptional Certified Staff: Heather Bullard

• Exceptional Classified Staff: Susan Knott

Spring Break
March 10-14
Schools closed and limited district services

First Day of Fourth Quarter
March 17
School resumes

Governing Board Meeting
March 25
6:30 p.m.

Thank you for joining me in "Finding What’s Inside" MPS in March. I hope you have a wonderful and restful Spring Break!

Andi Fourlis, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools