In the last newsletter, I shared that several of our schools were in the midst of A+ Site Visits from the Arizona Educational Foundation and told you I would keep you updated on the outcomes of those visits. I am proud to announce that ALL SEVEN of our schools who applied for the distinction earned it!

A+ season in Vail is a powerful season. It is a reminder of what it really takes to be educators of the highest quality.

This year, Vail celebrates its 43rd A+ School of Excellence with the SEVEN most recent schools named to the list: 

• Acacia Elementary School

• Cienega High School

• Desert Willow Elementary School

• Empire High School 

• Esmond Station K-8 School

• Mesquite Elementary School

• Vail Academy and High School 

This is the first A+ School of Excellence Award for Esmond Station. Each of the other six schools has earned the A+ more than once.

To receive an A+ School of Excellence Award, schools must complete a rigorous application process followed by two days of judges from across the state coming to evaluate each school in person. 

A+ eligibility has various requirements including the number of years the school has been open; the number of years the principal has been serving there; the number of years since the last time the school earned it; as well as extreme levels of quality in community involvement, instructional practices, student growth and achievement, leadership, and more.

Achieving the A+ School of Excellence designation is affirmation of the incredible collaboration among our educators, parents, and community. Together, they have linked arms to create schools where young people can thrive.

Each school that received an A+ School of Excellence Award will celebrate with a ceremony later this spring. 

Kindergarten Round Ups have been happening across the district. Two are happening tonight with a few more to take place next week. If you have a soon to be five-year-old or know of one, and you have missed the round up at your school, no worries. Please check out our Kindergarten Enrollment Website now to get all the details you need. We look forward to welcoming your soon to be kindergartner.

We are also accepting out of district open enrollment at the kindergarten levels at our schools that have space. If you have questions regarding open enrollment, please contact Vail’s Enrollment Concierge, Amy Castle, at vusdopenenrollment@vailschooldistrict.org.

Vail offers opportunities for enrichment for our K-8 students during our fall, spring, and summer breaks. Check out all of the wonderful camp options and register HERE today.

I would also like to inform you of a few events that are coming up in our district. The list is by no means comprehensive, but serves as a place to keep you looped into a few things happening. Be sure to check out VAIL EVENTS for upcoming events if you would like to attend or share. Click on the link to find out more about the Mental Health Awareness Walk, a Vail School District Foundation Fundraiser, and more.