Balsz District staff threw a drive-by parade for Dr. Smith to celebrate his retirement and wish him well!
Click here for a video, and view the photos below.

Thank you ON Semiconductor @onsemiconductor and the Balsz Community Education Foundation for supporting our students with two mini-grants this spring! Tillman teacher Toni Flood received $1500 for the STEM project "Need for Speed." Debbie Hurlbert of Crockett received $242 for four kindergarten classes to investigate insects. Congratulations!

Congratulations to our District Spelling Bee winners!
1st Place: Adrianna R, Griffith 5th grader
2nd Place: Jatziri I, Tillman 7th grader
3rd Place: Dash W, Brunson-Lee 4th grader
All of the participants did an amazing job! Thank you to Ms. Erwin for coordinating!

School Letter Grade Celebration: District Administration, Governing Board members, teachers and members of the community celebrated the academic success of the school letter grades!

Brunson-Lee: B
Crockett: B
Griffith: B
Tillman: C

The Balsz School District was awarded the Top Performance Gold Award for Arizona’s 2019 Farm Fresh Challenge. In celebration of October’s Farm to School Month, the Balsz District was recognized for their outstanding efforts in teaching students about Arizona agriculture and incorporating local, Arizona foods into their daily lunch menus. Only one other school district in the state of Arizona received this same recognition. Thank you Claude and Kristi!

Crockett School presented Celebrations and Recognitions, including Introductions to Crockett School Graduates who “Contribute to Their Community’s Sustainability”: TJ Warner, Destiny Warner, and Anita Campos, who shared their experiences at Crockett Elementary School as students and now current employees.

Griffith's G.O.A.L. students, led by Ms. Geislinger, gave an incredible presentation to the Governing Board on Composting. Last year they began a PBL about composting, investigating how much food students are wasting at lunch, learning what happens if we compost our waste instead of throwing it away, and developing solutions to reduce waste at Griffith. Balsz is so proud of the hard work these 4th and 5th graders have done, and we are excited to see them put their plans into action!

President Powe presented a check from the Legislative District 24 to Brunson-Lee School Principal, Leticia Castro.

Our Certified Employee of 1st Quarter was Megan McClusky, a 4th Grade Teacher at Griffith! Megan was nominated for her contributions to Griffith's culture, which she builds through organizing outings, chaperoning evening field trips, and participation in after-school activities. Balsz is grateful for a teacher like Megan who goes above and beyond!

Our Classified Employee of 1st Quarter was Maria Hernandez, a Crossing Guard at Brunson-Lee! Maria was nominated for being present every day, displaying professionalism with students, and never complaining when asked to do extra things. Balsz is grateful for her commitment and positive attitude!

The Arizona School Board Association recognized Ms. Powe and Mr. Schwarz for their Boardsmanship this past school year. Congratulations Ms. Powe and Mr. Schwarz!