FOX 10 News Whirlybird lands at Maricopa Elementary to honor students

“Of course, all the students were in a commotion,” said Principal Rachele Reese of the Whirlybird visit, “but they behaved really well and our Diamondback spirit of success really shined.”

Reese started the school year as assistant principal and a month in was offered the head position. From there, it’s been her mission to change the culture and environment of the school.

“People had been looking at the school and the kids like they didn’t have a chance. I didn’t believe that for one minute. If these kids are in anyway disadvantaged, it only means we have to work harder to provide them that opportunity to reach their goals.”

Reese credits the PTO and her faculty and administrators who are committed to the program of “Character Counts” and its six pillars for success. Students are taught trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.  

Each day, students who have demonstrated one of the six pillars are acknowledged in the morning before the Pledge of Allegiance and are given wristbands symbolically colored to show the trait they have displayed. Rewards are promised to the students when they reach their goals, and the Whirlybird visit was one of those rewards. Resse has also promised a 15-minute extended recess, popcorn and other treats in return for high achievement.

“It was good,” said Jayden O’Connell, a 2nd grader who was interviewed by McCloskey, “I got behind my friend at first because there was all kinds of wind and dust everywhere.”

Elizabeth Barton, Jayden’s mother, commented on the turnaround of the school and the Whirlybird: “In one year, it really has changed and what happened today was… crazy! Everyone seems to be really involved now, having bake sales, coming to the assemblies and taking part in whatever is happening. ”

As an example of positive change at the school, Principal Reese pointed out a chart posted on the door of Ms. Vasquez’s class that showed student reading speed increasing dramatically from 47 words per minute at the beginning of the year to 121 words per minute this month.

“It’s important as kids and parents walk the halls and sit in class that they are reminded of the success and where we want to go.” said Reese, “Give us a few more years and we’ll be the best school in the district and there’ll be plenty of more rewards to come.”

See a video of the visit here: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/more_azam/hilites/Maricopa-Elementary-School-03302011