By Cameron Chester
Mail

Fountain Hills Middle School for first time ever in the school history received an “A” for its letter grade.

The grade marks the school as one of the best middle schools in the state.  Arizona Revised Statute 15-241 mandates that, subject to final adoption by the State Board of Education, the Arizona Department of Education develop an annual accomplishment profile for every public school in the state using an A–F scale. Year-over-year student academic progress, math, science and English language arts competency, as well as the academic development and proficiency of English language learners, are all tracked by the system.

Two years ago, Fountain Hills Middle School’s highest grade at the time was a “C,” and  Superintendent Dr. Cain Jagodzinski was looking for the right candidate to lead the middle school as principal and kick things up a notch.

Dr. Kimberly Weeldreyer was selected for the position to help improve the school to greater heights. Thanks to the school board, Dr. Weeldreyer and her faculty, Fountain Hills Middle School received a positive outcome to represent the current state and future of the school.

Weeldreyer shared her thoughts on the letter grades and what it means to the middle school.

“My 24 years of teaching, this is definitely the highlight of my career,” she said. “Being able to get the right teachers, see greatness and believe in my leadership. We did it and I get to celebrate with all of them.”

Weeldreyer said this is just the latest feather in the cap of Fountain Hills schools.

“I think this is very positive. The better we make our schools, the more people will come and attend,” said Weeldreyer.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Cameron Chester can be reached at cchester@iniusa.org.