SE Valley Times

Mesa Public Schools has begun recognizing an elementary and secondary spotlight school at the second board meeting of each month. Each selected school will highlight a student, certified staff member, and classified staff member. For September, Field Elementary was honored.

Michelle Hall, Principal of Field Elementary, shared comments about each honoree.

"Exceptional Student- Rachel Soto: I’m honored to recognize Rachel, a student who truly embodies the spirit of a Falcon—soaring high and lifting others along the way. For three years, Rachel has served as a dedicated class representative on student council, advocating for her peers and always striving to make our school a better place. As our Move 1 Million ambassador, she championed health and wellness, encouraging her fellow Falcons to stay active and engaged.

Rachel’s leadership also shines through her creativity and teamwork. She helped organize a musical quartet that performed during breakfast and lunch, bringing harmony to our mornings. And when it came to environmental stewardship, Rachel was right there leading the charge, supporting our composting initiative and helping our school 'soar above' in sustainability. Rachel, your passion and dedication lift our entire Falcon community."

"Exceptional Certified Staff- Erica Frazee: It is my pleasure to recognize a teacher who truly embodies the spirit of our Falcon family. When I think of Erica Frazee, I think of heart; I think of joy; but most of all I think of commitment to students. Ms. Frazee goes above and beyond every day to ensure our school is not only a place of learning but a place where students feel welcome, supported, and inspired. Whether she's spending her summer painting vibrant murals in our Pre-K bathrooms, creating opportunities for student leadership with the Falcon mail initiative or using AI to compose a fight song that captures the heart of our school; she consistently finds creative ways to help our community soar.

But her passion doesn’t stop there. Ms. Frazee is also deeply reflective in her practice; always seeking out opportunities to grow. This summer while teaching she requested observations and feedback on a new strategy she was trying. She constantly pushes herself knowing that when she grows her students do too. She is a teammate who can always be counted on whether it’s for a creative idea; problem-solving or simply sharing laughter with colleagues Her unwavering dedication to our students and school community makes her true Falcon—always soaring above for the sake of kids."

"Exceptional Classified Staff- Maria Kask: I am honored to recognize someone who is quite simply the heart of Field Elementary—Maria Kask or as we all affectionately call her Ms Cuqui At 84 years young Ms Cuqui has been cherished part field family last 11 years closest thing have celebrity Kids light up see ever absent immediately start worrying often remind them even allowed day off now then!

There’s always long line cafeteria—not because food but everyone wants give hug before clear tables incredible way making each child feel seen valued loved presence daily reminder warmth connection make such special place be Ms Cuqui you are truly Falcon soaring above love dedication students community proudly say some day hope influence school way you do."