Every month during the 2025-2026 school year, Mesa Public Schools will recognize a Spotlight School. The Spotlight School at the January 22nd meeting was Kern Center for Agriscience. Below is a video about the school and Principal Amy Breitenbucher's remarks on each Spotlight honoree.
Madison Kier - Certified Staff Spotlight
Ms. Madison Kier, a truly outstanding member of the Kerr teaching staff.
Although Madison has only been at Kerr for three years, she has already distinguished herself as a standout educator. Her teaching skills extend far beyond what one might expect from a newer teacher. She has a deep understanding of high-quality instruction and holds herself—and her students—to the highest standards. Madison refuses to accept anything less than her students’ very best each and every day.
What truly sets Madison apart is the way she builds meaningful, lifelong relationships with her students. She takes the time to listen to them, to know them, and to connect with their families. While maintaining high expectations, she ensures that every student knows they are loved, supported, and genuinely cared for. Her classroom is a place where students feel both challenged and safe.
Madison consistently shows up for her students beyond the school day. She makes it a priority to attend after-school events such as band and orchestra concerts, as well as the many activities our students participate in through agriculture, including events like the State Fair. Her presence at these events speaks volumes to her commitment and to the relationships she builds with her students.
Madison’s impact reaches well beyond her own classroom. She serves as a mentor to one of our brand-new teachers, often dedicating time after school to provide guidance and support. It has been inspiring to watch this new teacher grow and blossom under Madison’s mentorship—a testament to Madison’s leadership, generosity, and commitment to our profession.
She is consistently helpful, kind, and collaborative. Madison brings thoughtful ideas to every conversation and is always willing to step in wherever she is needed. One colleague shared that Madison has made their first years of teaching incredibly positive, and that sentiment is echoed throughout our staff.
Madison is also an expert in learning targets and success criteria and has become highly skilled in instructional design. Because of this expertise, she has taken on a leadership role in creating and leading engaging, meaningful professional development sessions that teachers genuinely look forward to. She is not afraid to speak up when something needs to be addressed, always doing so with professionalism and a focus on what is best for students and staff.
Ms. Madison Kier is an invaluable member of the Kerr community. Her dedication, leadership, and heart for students make our school a better place every day. We are incredibly grateful for all that she does.
Valle Jones - Classified Staff Spotlight
Valle works in our library, and from the moment you walk in, you are greeted by her warm smile and positive energy. She brings joy, calm, and creativity into that space every single day. On top of thoughtfully planning weekly lessons for our kindergarten through eighth grade students, Valle makes learning an adventure each and every day.
With her service animal, Peaches, by her side and her bearded dragon, Star, in the library, Valle creates a fun, engaging environment where students are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow. She builds a genuine love for animals and agriculture through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and excitement, while also nurturing the gift of reading and giving students the strong foundation they need to succeed. Her creativity and dedication make learning truly unforgettable.
The library has come alive this year thanks to Valle’s incredible effort. She keeps everything beautifully organized and thoughtfully decorated, creating a space that feels welcoming and safe. It is clear that she is deeply passionate about her role and truly loves working with children. The students absolutely love going to her class—whether they are reading, learning about Star, spending time with Peaches, or simply enjoying being in her space.
Beyond her work with students, Valle goes above and beyond for our staff as well. She regularly assists teachers with obtaining needed classroom materials and is known as someone you can always depend on. Whether it’s offering a helping hand, giving a shoulder to lean on, covering for a quick break, or stepping in wherever she is needed, Valle does it all without hesitation. She is constantly moving a million miles per hour, yet still takes the time to ask others how she can support them.
Valle’s door is always open to students before school and during lunch. She provides a calm, quiet space where students can decompress and feel safe—whether that means talking, reading a book, playing with Peaches, or walking around with Star on their shoulders. She is truly a bright light in the Kerr community.
Valle Jones embodies compassion, dedication, and service. Her reliability, generosity, and passion make her an invaluable part of our team. We are incredibly grateful for the joy, care, and commitment she brings to our students and staff every single day.
Elizabeth Covarrubias Guerra - Student Spotlight
We are proud to recognize Elizabeth, a remarkable fourth-grade student who has been a part of the Kerr community since kindergarten.
Elizabeth’s teachers describe her as a very hard worker who always tries her best. She approaches every day with determination and a positive attitude, never giving up and always striving to perform to the best of her abilities. Her dedication to learning is matched by the kindness and care she shows to everyone around her.
Elizabeth is a kind, thoughtful, and caring student whose empathy is evident in everything she does on campus. She often helps her teachers before and after school and treats her classmates with genuine friendship and respect. She has a natural ability to notice when someone needs support or a comforting word, and she is always quick to offer a helping hand.
Elizabeth is truly a pleasure to have in class. She is helpful, kind, and consistently happy. Each and every day, she greets staff and students with a bright smile, spreading joy wherever she goes. She is known for giving the absolute best hugs and is always looking for opportunities to help others.
She is a fantastic friend, a dedicated student, and a wonderful big sister and little sister. Elizabeth’s presence brings warmth and positivity to our school—you simply cannot be upset or sad when Elizabeth is around. She is a shining light in the Kerr community, and we are so proud to celebrate her.