McDowell Mountain Elementary School began April in a big way, celebrating its mascot change to the Falcons with a ribbon cutting for the school marquee, as well as a spirit week to celebrate.

According to Principal Valerie Dehombreux, the new banner across the top of the McDowell Mountain marquee was funded by the Parent-Teacher Organization and now proudly proclaims the school to be “Home of the Falcons.”

The mascot was officially changed from the Bobcat to the Falcon earlier this school year during a pep assembly held for all students.

Dehombreux said the ribbon-cutting was attended by many school officials, including board members, administrators and staff.

“We truly appreciate our supportive administration, staff and community,” she added.

“We are proud to be Fountain Hills Falcons.”

The spirit week that ran in tangent with the ribbon-cutting was also in honor of the new AzMERIT testing system being administered to third grade students.

To get everyone excited for the big exams, Dehombreux said McDowell Mountain also hosted a special pep assembly to help encourage the third grade class.

“The assembly included motivational messages from our student Falcon Leaders and a cheer from the Student Council,” she added.

“Students and staff were encouraged to wear their Falcon colors. For the rest of the week, there were standards/testing-themed dress up days.”

Spirit days included college ready day, career ready day, book character day and pajamas day.