Media and Recognitions

Phoenix mayor Kate Gallego speaking in front of an ISD backdrop and podium of podium at press conference

AZ Central Covers Press Conference for New Electric School Buses

AZ Central covers the story of our recently introduced six new electric school buses as part of a broader initiative funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The new buses are part of a $5 billion program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality.

Support Music 2024 Merit Award, We congratulate you Isaac Middle School for Outstanding Support of Music Education enriching the lives of children and advancing student achievement

Isaac Middle School Receives SupportMusic Merit Award

Isaac Middle School has been announced as one of 122 schools from across the nation and the only individual school in Arizona to have been named a 2024 SupportMusic Merit Award winner by the NAMM Foundation.  This designation is awarded to schools for their committment to music education.

Mayor, Isaac leaders, staff and students come together to plant trees for better sustainability.

Canopy for Kids Tree Planting

The Isaac School District partners up with the City of Phoenix, Arizona Sustainability Alliance, V&P Nurseries, ISD Staff, students, families, and volunteers to plant trees across schools for a healthier future for our students and community. This landmark event marks the first school tree planting funded by the American Rescue Plan Act through the Canopy for Kids Program in Arizona.

Communications Department holding 7 awards presented by the Arizona School Public Relations Association

Communications Department receives 7 Awards of Excellence by the Arizona School Public Relations Association

Our ISD Communications Department was honored and recognized with 7 Awards of Excellence from the Arizona School Public Relations Association for their diligent work on various projects that enhance communication, branding, and sharing our district’s story.

Interviewer and Director of Heart of Isaac Community Center speaking on a Good morning youtube show about what the community center has to offer

Heart of Isaac Community Center Featured on Good Morning Sunshine

Director of Family and Community Program, Marcela Lopez, speaks about the Heart of Isaac Community Center and their mission to empower and support the community.

Pueblo Del Sol teacher standing in front of a PDS tile mural

AZ Central Features PDS Teacher, Mr. Jason Catanese

AZ Central showcases Mr. Jason Catanese for his efforts in launching a camp to help students prepare for college. Our Isaac students participate in this camp and continue their higher education priorities. 

Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers

Congratulations to our ISD Recipients being selected for the Fiesta Bowl Charities

The Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers program was created in 2016 which grants classroom wishes to teachers across the state of Arizona. We are happy to announce that 12 Isaac School District teachers were selected to receive a $2,500 grant through DonorsChoose on behalf of Palo Verde. 500 recipients across the state were selected at random during a virtual Palo Verde Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers Draft Day presented by SRP. These recipients were invited to walk in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade and were recognized on-field during the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Principal of Isaac Middle School

K-12 Dive recognizes Mr. Kevin Sotomayor as Principal of the Year

Mr. Kevin Sotomayor, Principal at Isaac Middle School, has been recognized as Principal of the Year for his outstanding leadership and dedication to student success. This prestigious honor acknowledges his tireless efforts in fostering a positive learning environment and implementing innovative strategies that have significantly impacted the school community.

Superintendent receiving an award

Superintendent, Dr. Mario Ventura,  recognized as the 2023 Outstanding Superintendent by AZALAS

Congratulations to our Superintendent, Dr. Mario Ventura, for being recognized as the 2023 Outstanding Superintendent presented by the Arizona Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (AZALAS). Your leadership, commitment, and guidance supports our mission, vision, and core values here at the Isaac School District.

Students, staff, and Arizona Cardinals players come together to promote reading at their school

Arizona Cardinals visit Moya Elementary School to promote reading featured on AZ Family 3TV/CBS 5

The Arizona Cardinals visited Moya Elementary to read books with students to promote the importance of reading. The Arizona Cardinals, SRP, and Albertsons-Safeway have been partnering for 20 years to offer the “Milk & Cookies” Reading Program. Two Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders and Arizona Cardinals player, Daniel Arias read several books and provided 2 Q&A sessions. Students also received an autographed backpack with some goodies.

Preschool teacher Heather Fillman, teacher at Isaac Preschool Program, A Stepping Stone Foundation, being interviewed

A Stepping Stone Foundation

The Stepping Stone Foundation collaborates with ISD schools to provide high quality multi-generational learning. The foundation provides a tuition free, high quality, developmentally appropriate preschool program for students and their parents.

Family and children standing in front of the dental truck during the back to school health fair

Annual Isaac Back to School Health Fair featured on 12News

The Isaac Back to School Health Fair is an annual event that takes place each summer to ensure students, families, and community members have access to school supplies, resources, and health screening at no cost.

Governing Board President and Community Healthy and Safety Specialist holding award

Isaac School District receives the Healthy Arizona Worksites Award

The Isaac School District was recognized by the Arizona Department of Health Services for our efforts in the health and well-being of our Isaac Community. The Healthy Arizona Worksites Award recognizes businesses that are making efforts to positively affect the health and well-being of their employees, families, and their community through evidence-based worksite health initiatives and programs. 

Superintendent, Governing Board Member, and Members of Chispa and Environmental Organization gather together for a press conference about electric school buses

Isaac School District holds Press Conference for the Awarded Funding for Electric Buses and the Benefits for the Health of Students

A press conference was held regarding our recent purchase of new electric school buses as we were recipients of a grant. This grant allowed us to make these purchases that will ultimately have a positive impact on our Isaac Community and the environment. We thank our community partners Environmental Defense Funds (EDF), Chispa Arizona, and Moms Clean Air Force organizations for contributing to this event.

Business Services Department receives award of excellence

Business Services Department awarded Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Congratulations to the ISD Business Services Department as they receive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association. They have been awarded 5 years in a row.

Support Music brought to you by the NAMM Foundation 2023 Merit Award Congratulations for outstanding support of music education

Isaac Middle School Receives SupportMusic Merit Award

Congratulations to Isaac Middle School as they have been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award for the second year in a row. Isaac Middle School is one of 78 schools across the nation to receive the SupportMusic Merit Award from the NAMM Foundation for demonstrating outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

AZED NEWS

J.B. Sutton Elementary Teacher is awarded by the Arizona School Boards Association

The Arizona School Boards Association awarded recipient, Evalani Dela Cruz, teacher at J.B. Sutton Elementary for the Afterschool Cool Initiative. She was awarded $500 AZEdNews Classroom Grant.

Communications team receives an award from the Arizona School Public Relations Association

Communications Department receives the Award of Excellence by the Arizona School Public Relations Association

Congratulations to the ISD Communications Department for being recognized and receiving the Award of Excellence at the annual ASPRA*tion Awards held by the Arizona School Public Relations Association. Their hard work and dedication to serving Isaac students and the Isaac Community continues to provide a culture of positivity while capturing all of the amazing opportunities provided to our students and telling ISD's story.

Principal and teacher at Isaac Middle School receiving a check and award for donations to their school and classroom.

Isaac Middle School Teacher honored by Burch & Cracchiolo Law Firm

Ms. Kristen Jahrman, Special education teacher and after school coordinator at Isaac Middle School received recognition from Burch & Cracchiolo Law Firm. She was awarded the Star Teacher Award.

Students in a middle school classroom raising their hand when a teacher asks a question

AZ Family 3TV/CBS 5: First Day of School - Students and Teachers Hope for Normalcy

Students at Morris K. Udall Middle School start the first day of school ready to learn. Eighth-grade math teacher Ramarao Cheepurupalli noticed a difference when students showed up to his class. For the first time in three years, the school year is starting without all the COVID chaos.

Annual health care partners and community resources come together in the middle school gym to host resources and free health screenings for the community at no cost

Cox Channel 4: Annual Isaac School District Back to School Health Fair

This Annual Back to School Health Fair in partnership with United Healthcare is open to the community. Backpacks, school supplies, resources and basic health screenings at no cost. This annual event is supported by volunteers and community resources.

ABC15 News: Corbin's Legacy Donates to the Heart of Isaac Community Center

Corbin's Legacy donates to the Heart of Isaac Community Center. Corbin’s Legacy’s mission is to help school children through the elimination of food and medical insecurity in addition to providing other resources to families. 100% supported by volunteers.

music

AZ Family 3TV/CBS 5: Band Director from Isaac Middle School wins Pay It Forward Award

Mr. Salvador Rodriguez, Director of Bands at Isaac Middle School received the 3TV/CBS 5 Pay It Forward Award. He was nominated by Isaac Middle School parents for his hard work and dedication to his band students. He was awarded a $500 check. Thank you to Mr. Salvador Rodriguez for making a difference through music.

Middle school teacher and Burch and Cracchiolo law firm representative presenting the Star Teacher Award in her classroom.

Pueblo Del Sol Middle School Teacher receives recognition from Burch & Cracchiolo Law Firm

Ms. Lauren Hawks, 7th grade math teacher at Pueblo Del Sol Middle School received recognition from Burch & Cracchiolo Law Firm. She was awarded funds for her classroom and school supplies to help her students succeed.

AZ Family 3TV/CBS 5: Moya Elementary School Uses STEM Sports and Science to Teach Students About Football

Moya Elementary School uses STEM Sports and science to learn how to play football. Students in the Isaac Learning Club participate in multiple activities with the inclusion of math and science concepts.

12News: A New Effort is Underway to Get More Internet Access for Elementary-Aged Children

The Isaac School District partnered up with ASU's University Technology Office and Watts College to launch a "Digital Equity Pilot" to connect the unconnected. Director of Technology, Mr. Wadalberto Perez stated "The goal is expanding that, so that all our students have internet and Wi-Fi access at home, so they can learn remotely and off hours."

AZTV 7: Stuff The Bus - Pueblo Del Sol Staff and Students Volunteer

The Isaac School District gives back to the community as Pueblo Del Sol staff and students volunteer to join AZTV 7 and their partners in preparing backpacks filled with school supplies for scholars across Arizona.