Mesa Public Schools

This week, Mesa Public Schools hosted a breakfast at Dobson High School to welcome new educators to the district. Superintendent Dr. Matt Strom and Governing Board President Courtney Davis shared words of encouragement as we begin a new year rooted in our promise: Every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career, and community.

Here’s to a year of connection, growth, and preparing our students to thrive as lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and kind, collaborative leaders.

Looking for a meaningful career with great benefits and growth opportunities? Join us at our Career Fair on July 23, 2025, from 2–3:30 p.m. at the MPS Board Room (549 N. Stapley Dr., Mesa, AZ).

We’re hiring for a variety of positions, including teachers, bus drivers, classroom assistants and more!

Come meet our team, learn about available roles and take the first step toward your future with Mesa Public Schools.

Questions? Contact us at 480-472-7210 or work@mpsaz.org.

On Thursday night, the Mesa Public Schools Native American Education Program hosted its Senior Celebration Night — an evening dedicated to honoring culture, achievement, and the graduating seniors from our six comprehensive high schools and East Valley Academy. Congratulations to all our students!🎓🪶💫

On Thursday morning, Red Mountain High School seniors (and one Mountain View senior🤗) returned to where it all began with a special walk through the halls of Las Sendas Elementary. Future Mountain Lions cheered them on, inspired by the Class of 2025 just days away from graduation! 👨‍🎓

Graduating seniors from Mesa, Red Mountain, and Skyline High Schools took a meaningful walk down memory lane today at Jefferson Elementary! 🎓 With big smiles and high-fives, they inspired the next generation just weeks before their own graduation on May 22.

Happy National School Principals' Day! At Mesa Public Schools, our principals are the heart of every campus—leading with purpose, passion and a deep commitment to student success. Today, we celebrate their dedication and the difference they make every single day.

Happy Assistant Principals Appreciation Week! Mesa Public Schools is proud to recognize Vatricia Harris, Assistant Principal at Westwood High School, for her dedication and leadership. In her fifth year as an assistant principal at Westwood, Vatricia has made a significant impact on both students and staff. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Arizona State University, as well as master’s degrees in Secondary Education and Leadership and Supervision. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at ASU. Westwood Principal Chris Gilmore shared:
"As Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning at Westwood High School, Vatricia Harris has been instrumental in advancing staff professional learning and fostering team collaboration. She plays a key role in implementing the team-based teaching model, where educators work collaboratively to support student success." Thank you, Vatricia, for your invaluable contributions to the Westwood community and beyond!

Congratulations to our seven incredible Mesa Public Schools teachers who have earned or renewed their National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) certification! Your dedication and excellence make a lasting impact on our students and schools. We are proud to have you in our district! 📚 Rebekah Buckland – Dobson High School 📚 Michelle Startzman – Mesa High School 📚 Lori Jordan – Westwood High School 📚 Kelda Kastner Lewis – Shepherd Junior High School 📚 Rebecca Trejo-Dunham – Edison Elementary 📚 Teresa Rednour – Edison Elementary 📚 Chelsea Cloonan – Guerrero Elementary

Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee stopped by Crismon Elementary to visit with 4th graders and promote the AZ529 Future Career Art Contest! Students had a blast painting and even got to take home their own piggy banks. 🐖🏦

Happy 100th Day of School! 💯⭐️ We’re so proud of our incredible students and all they’ve accomplished in these first 100 days.

Last Friday, the Dobson Orchestra visited Summit Academy to inspire future musicians! 🎶 Dobson and Summit students joined forces, creating beautiful music while sharing tips, tricks, and a love for orchestra. Great job, Mustangs, for mentoring the next generation of musicians! 🎻✨

Franklin Accelerated Academy - Jordan Campus is proud to be an "A" school, recognized by the Arizona Department of Education! 🌟 Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is NOW OPEN! Searching for a traditional program with accelerated academics, high behavioral expectations, and strong parent involvement? Find out what’s inside and discover why Franklin is the perfect fit for your family. Enroll today at mpsaz.org/enroll or visit franklinjordan.mpsaz.org to find out more!

Skyline High School Students Represent Arizona in Macy’s Great American Marching Band Four talented students from Skyline High School are making history today as they take to the streets of New York City to perform in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band during the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This prestigious ensemble includes 200 of the most skilled high school musicians from across the country, and Skyline High School proudly secured all four of Arizona's spots in this year’s band. Meet Skyline's All-Americans: Teddy Kalamaras - Tenor Sax player - 2024 section leader, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Honors Band Erickson Mazariegos - Skyline’s 2024 Drum Major - plays multiple instruments - Jazz Band, Honors Band, Marching Band. Alejandro Dominguez - Trumpet - 2024 Section leader - 2023 show soloist - Jazz Band, Marching Band, Honors Band Matthew Huard- Alto Sax - 2024 Leadership group - Jazz Band, Marching Band, Honors Band These students have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their craft and are now showcasing their talents on one of the nation’s grandest stages. Their achievement not only reflects their individual hard work but also highlights the strength of Skyline High School’s music program. Congratulations to these outstanding musicians and their families for this incredible honor!

Last Thursday, Whitman Elementary hosted a spectacular band concert that highlighted the incredible talent of our young musicians. Under the guidance of their amazing band teacher, Mr. William Suit, the students delivered performances that impressed everyone in attendance.🎺🎼

What a match between Entz and Bush!❤️💙 Huge thanks to Mesa PD for bringing SPARC (Sports, Programs, & Activities Reuniting Community) to our campuses and to Mountain View High School for being fantastic hosts for its feeders!⚽️

Last week, the Mountain View Toro Theatre Company brought magic to the stage with their phenomenal performances of Peter and the Starcatcher! 🎭✨ Bravo to the talented cast and crew for an unforgettable show!

On Tuesday afternoon, Eisenhower Center for Innovation staff teamed up with the Arizona Cardinals and United Food Bank to bring Thanksgiving essentials to our Mesa families. 💪

Mountain View High School’s Latino Club hosted ‘Connecting Community Con Comida,’ where teachers and staff enjoyed a homemade lunch featuring dishes from Latin American countries like Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, and Guatemala— all prepared by club members! The event focused on connecting cultures through food. Great work, Latino Club! 🍲

Red Mountain Flag Football’s Tuesday night contest vs Marana was the Cardinals Girls High School Flag Football Game of the Week. The game was broadcast on AZ Family Sports for the entire state to see! 👀