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A+ School of Excellence Application

Several staff members collaborated on our A+ School of Excellence application, and we’re thrilled to share that Ventana Vista has advanced to the next stage — the site visit!

During this visit, a team of administrators will tour our school, visit classrooms, and speak with staff, students, and parents to see how our practices align with what we described in our application.

We are incredibly proud to have reached this milestone and excited to showcase the amazing learning community we have built together.

Since 1983, the A+ School of Excellence program has served to identify and recognize educational excellence in public schools throughout the state. Originally designed as a way of identifying our state’s candidates for the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Award, the A+ School of Excellence program has endured to recognize the best-of-the-best in Arizona public Schools. Not only does the award program celebrate outstanding schools, but it also provides Arizona administrators with a framework

for exemplary school self-assessment. The A+ School of Excellence award boosts public confidence in recognized schools, inspiring stronger parent and community involvement and even creating positive economic impact in some communities.

Schools that earn the A+ School of Excellence Award stand out for their dedication to providing exceptional education to the students of Arizona, implementing practices that go far beyond the standard. The A+ award transcends test scores and letter grades, examining every facet of school success.

 Commitment to quality and opportunity for all students

 High standards for academic achievement

 Responsiveness to the evolving educational landscape

 Safe, learner-focused environments

 Support for innovative, teacher-led instruction

 Holistic care for students’ social, academic, and intellectual needs

 Outstanding service to children, families and their community

We will be asking for parent and community input in the next few weeks.

November’s character trait is Empathy. Each morning, students learn about the monthly trait and participate in classroom activities during morning meetings that help them understand and practice empathy in action.

This year, Mileage Club is serving as our big fundraiser! Students were so excited to run last Friday and earn a skull after completing three laps. They also earn a foot charm for every ten laps they complete.

Please encourage your child to run, walk, or skip laps each Friday, and don’t forget to turn in donations to support this fundraiser. Mileage Club will conclude in March with a Color Run celebration!

A huge shout-out to Mr. Galligan for heading up Mileage Club this year and to all of our wonderful volunteers for their support. Let’s see how far we can go when we combine all the miles our Bobcats run this year!

Sra. Villarreal’s Kindergarten class won the most recent IXL Leader Board challenge and celebrated with a Math Jenga Party! Students had a great time combining math practice with hands-on play.

A new Leader Board challenge is underway for the class with the most skills mastered, and it will close on November 21. Congratulations to all of our young mathematicians for their hard work and excitement for learning!

Our first graders honored loved ones and celebrated Día de los Muertos this week.

Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who helped enrich this meaningful cultural experience.

The day concluded with a colorful and joyful parade around campus.

Our fifth graders integrated math and creativity by designing Rectangular Prism Pumpkins.

Students used grid paper to create box patterns with a total volume greater than ten cubic units.

They decorated their pumpkins, named them, and wrote equations to represent their designs. Each pumpkin was unique in size and personality—an excellent blend of geometry and art!

Our students have worked so hard to prepare something special—and your presence makes it meaningful! To create the best experience for performers and guests, please:

Thank you for helping us create a positive, respectful space where our students can shine on stage with confidence! 

Ventana Vista Elementary School will collect items for the holidays for families in need in our community. We realize that some families are experiencing food insecurity and may not have resources to buy clothes for the winter season, household items or toys for the children. Donations will be distributed by appointment that is convenient with each family December 18th/19th. 

Please let us know if your family would benefit from receiving food or other items by completing this survey by Friday, November 21. The identifying information submitted on this form will be kept confidential between Ms. Gulley, the school counselors, and administration.

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