Phoenix, Arizona, August 31, 2022 – The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF®) is pleased to announce that Fiesta Bowl Charities will be the presenting sponsor of the AEF® A+ School of Excellence® Award program. The A+ Award recognition began in 1983 as a way to identify, celebrate, and recognize educational excellence in schools throughout Arizona. In addition to showcasing exceptional public schools, the A+ Award application process provides school teams with an outstanding comprehensive framework that serves as a basis for school self-assessment and planning. The A+ School of Excellence® award is the highest state-level award given to a public school and is often a stepping-stone for schools seeking National Blue Ribbon status. The A+ Award is a powerful energizer for increasing public confidence in recognized schools, often resulting in greater parent and community involvement and even serves as an economic driver for some communities.
A+ Schools are celebrated and recognized as exceptional. Earning the highly prestigious and coveted A+ designation spotlights the positive successes happening in public schools every day.
“AEF is thrilled to be working with Fiesta Bowl Charities to present the A+ School of Excellence Award,” stated Kim Graham, AEF Executive Director. “Through their Wishes for Teachers grants, community grants, and the “Fiesta Bowl Experience” package provided to the Arizona Teachers of the Year, Fiesta Bowl Charities shares AEF’s love for teachers and public schools.”
“Education is core to our Fiesta Bowl Charities mission of serving the community. Partnering with the Arizona Educational Foundation on the A+ Schools of Excellence program is a natural fit as we strive to support all schools in Arizona to prepare students for a successful future,” Fiesta Bowl Board Chair Randal Norton said. “We must continue to work together to provide the tools necessary for our students to excel as individuals, in the classroom and in our community.”
The AEF A+ School of Excellence evaluative process is multi-faceted, identifying strong success in teaching and learning strategies, student achievement, leadership, and community integration. Public schools in Arizona can apply for the AEF A+ School of Excellence Award by submitting a written application, which is then reviewed by a panel of A+ principals, teachers, and district leaders. If accepted, schools participate in the final step of the selection which is a multi-day site visit led by a team of A+ Award judges.
The AEF A+ School of Excellence award is valid for four years, and schools must reply to continue their A+ status. View the list of the Current A+ School of Excellence Awardees.
The deadline for the 2023 A+ School of Excellence application is August, 31, 2022. For detailed information regarding the application process, view the A+ Info Session video.
DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE
About the Fiesta Bowl Organization
Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaBowl.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on Twitter.
About Arizona Educational Foundation, AEF®
The mission of AEF is to celebrate excellence and cultivate equity in Pre-K-12th grade Arizona public education. This is accomplished through a variety of programs for teachers, administrators, and students. Some programs shine a spotlight on excellence; others provide a stepping stone to help support schools and educators on the road to awesomeness. In addition to the Arizona Teacher of the Year® program, AEF also coordinates the Arizona State Spelling Bee, the A+ School of Excellence® Award, the Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona, teachSTEM, Our World, and Take Your Legislator to School. AEF was founded in 1983, by then State Superintendent of Public Education, Carolyn Warner, who felt a nonprofit needed to be established to champion public education and recognize the great work of public school educators. AEF annually reaches over 500,000 students, teachers and administrators throughout Arizona. For more information visit www.azedfoundation.org, or contact info@azedfoundation.org.
Media Contact:
Terri Bradford, Director of Communications & Digital Strategy, Arizona Educational Foundation
Mobile: 720-468-3996 | Email: terri@azedfoundation.org