With Bullseye Leading the Way, Tarwater Elementary School Students Work Hard & Play Hard, School Earns A+ Certification

CHANDLER - September 15, 2009 - "We work hard, but we play hard too."

That's a philosophy students everywhere would joyfully embrace. And according to the Arizona Educational Foundation's (AEF) A+ School certification judges, it's the best way to describe the successful approach utilized at Chandler's Robert and J. Danell Tarwater Elementary School.

By all accounts, the school has reached an ideal balance between work and play. In fact, you might say it's hitting a "Bullseye."

The Chandler Unified School District campus was one of only 17 schools statewide in 2009 to earn A+ school certification from the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF). "Bullseye" was an inspirational leader, helping Tarwater achieve the prestigious A+ school certification "target."

Bullseye is the name of the Tarwater Toro mascot - a symbol of strength and courage as well as a visual reminder of "Toro Pride," according to the school's A+ Certification paperwork. The mascot welcomes Tarwater students to bi-monthly Toro Time assemblies, but the symbolism behind Bullseye runs even deeper, according to Principal Jeff Hensley and the Tarwater faculty and staff.

"Bullseye sets the stage for Tarwater's Character Education Program and reminds students of the Tarwater Targets of integrity, compassion, courage, responsibility and respect," Principal Hensley and his staff wrote in the school's A+ Certification paperwork.

The busy mascot also leads students and staff in the "Play" part of the work-and-play equation, attending various school activities such as Family Fun Runs, barbeques as well as Spring and Fall Festivals - just some of the fun community events marking this school's busy annual calendar.

When it is time to go to work, Tarwater students can get high-tech inside two state-of-the-art computer labs, participate in grade-level activities inside an outdoor amphitheater and witness nature firsthand inside the courtyard with two friendly tortoises named Chip and Archie.

With Bullseye leading the way, Tarwater attributes its success to following:

• Culture and climate - The school's philosophy for character development is embedded in all aspects of school life.
• Individual student support - Many support systems are in place to assist students who are not mastering learning targets.
• Quality teaching and learning - Teachers meet monthly to brainstorm strategies and provide support for struggling students across all grade levels.

Robert and J. Danell Tarwater Elementary School will maintain its A+ designation for three years.

According to the AEF website, azedfoundation.org, the A+ program celebrates education and brings to light the positive stories and successes happening in public schools every day. Created in 1983, the program's stated purpose is threefold:

• To identify and publicly recognize outstanding public schools in Arizona;
• To make available a comprehensive framework of key criteria for school effectiveness that can serve as a basis for participatory self-assessment and planning in schools;
• To facilitate communication and sharing of best practices within and among schools based on common criteria related to success.

In order to be recognized as an A+ school, each school must submit an application providing demographic information, a description of current programs and practices, documentation of parent and community involvement, a profile of the school principal and his/her vision of the commitment to excellence, equity, service; and sustained high achievement or significant improvement in assessment. The winning schools are recognized for their superior ability to meet the needs of their student populations.