Washington Elementary School District

Thank you for following along over the past month as we celebrated our 2026 Lamp of Learning recipients! ✨

Congratulations once again to this year’s honorees! The is stronger because of their dedication, passion and commitment to their school communities. We are incredibly grateful for all they do each and every day! ❤️💙

Today our summer school series continues with a look at our Jumpstart program!🌞

More than 250 newly enrolled kindergarten students got a head start on their educational journey this summer through WESD's Jumpstart Kindergarten program!

Designed to help students transition confidently into school, Jumpstart focused on building foundational reading and math skills while developing important fine and gross motor abilities. Students also participated in activities that strengthened the social skills they'll use every day in the classroom, from working with peers to following routines and building independence.

The learning was packed with fun! Students painted, sang songs, played games, practiced writing and counting, and explored a different children's book each day that inspired the day's activities and lessons.

By the end of the program, these future kindergarteners had made new friends, gained confidence, and were excited to begin their school journey. We can't wait to welcome them back as WESD kindergarten students when school begins August 10! ❤️💙

⭐️ 2026 LAMP OF LEARNING SPOTLIGHT ⭐️

Congratulations to Britney Villa, social worker at Maryland School! 💙

Rooted in service and a steadfast commitment to equity, Britney is an inspirational role model whose impact is felt in every corner of her school community. She ensures all students receive meaningful, consistent support to thrive both academically and emotionally. Britney actively embeds social-emotional learning into daily practice by facilitating Tier 1 lessons, modeling calming strategies with students in real time and coaching teachers to integrate these skills into everyday instruction. She strengthens student success through targeted Tier 2 small groups and individualized Tier 3 interventions, using data to monitor progress and adjust supports to meet each student’s needs. Her dedication shines in moments of challenge. During the absence of the Behavior Support Advocate, she stepped in to provide direct behavioral support, collaborated with staff to refine intervention plans and ensured students experienced consistency and care. As a crisis team leader, she implements trauma-informed responses that prioritize student safety and emotional well-being. She also serves as a liaison with outside agencies to secure resources for families, and leads communication and compliance efforts for the school safety grant, ensuring Districtwide alignment and accountability. Britney even mentors new social workers, supervises interns with weekly coaching and connects families to critical community opportunities. Respected for her compassion and professionalism, she inspires others through her actions and contributions – leaving an enduring impact of support, growth and excellence.

We continue highlighting our summer learning with a look at our Refugee Summer School Program!🌞

This program provided students with an exciting blend of learning, exploration, and creativity! Throughout the summer students – who were primarily from Afghanistan representing three languages – participated in hands-on activities that transformed traditional classrooms into dynamic learning spaces. From building and engineering structures with LEGO® bricks to investigating fascinating scientific concepts, students engaged in meaningful experiences that sparked curiosity and encouraged collaboration.

While strengthening academic skills, students also built friendships, confidence, and connections in a welcoming environment. We are grateful to our dedicated teachers and staff for creating an enriching experience that celebrated learning, culture, and community. ❤️💙

⭐️ 2026 LAMP OF LEARNING SPOTLIGHT ⭐️

Congratulations to Elizabeth Vasey, coordinator of teacher support in the WESD Curriculum & Instruction Department! ❤️

With a heart fully devoted to the success of others and a vision grounded in excellence, Elizabeth exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary educational leader. Each day, she brings the WESD mission to life through her untiring commitment to student achievement and educator growth. Elizabeth leads with purpose and innovation, designing and implementing impactful programs such as the WESD Induction Program, BEGIN, BRIDGE and the self-created BOOST initiative – ensuring every educator, regardless of background, receives the guidance needed to thrive. Her proactive outreach to new teachers fosters a deep sense of belonging from day one, while her leadership of instructional coaches cultivates a culture of continuous improvement across the District. Her influence extends beyond programs into people. Elizabeth is known for stepping in whenever support is needed, mentoring National Board Certified Teacher candidates, and creating meaningful professional learning experiences that elevate teaching practices. Her thoughtful touches – whether a carefully crafted newsletter or a personally organized training – reflect her belief that strong relationships drive lasting success. Respected for her professionalism, positivity and tireless dedication, Elizabeth builds bridges across departments and beyond the District, strengthening both community and practice. Through her work, she not only supports educators – she transforms them. Elizabeth’s impact is profound, her passion undeniable and her legacy one that will continue to shape excellence for years to come.

Our summer school highlights continue with a look at our gifted program! 🌟

Our gifted students put their curiosity and critical-thinking skills to the test during this summer's "Mythbusters" Camp! 🔍💡

More than 150 students investigated popular myths by making predictions, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. From testing whether a piece of paper can be folded in half seven times to seeing if toast really lands butter-side down, students explored science in a fun, hands-on way.

Some myths were confirmed, others were completely busted, but one thing was certain – our students had an amazing time learning, collaborating, and thinking like real scientists! 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬

⭐️ 2026 LAMP OF LEARNING SPOTLIGHT ⭐️

Congratulations to Jeff Tisot, parent/community member at Desert View Elementary! 💚

For several years, Jeff has been a driving force on the Desert View campus – displaying the true spirit of service, leadership and firm commitment to education. As a dedicated parent within the WESD, Jeff goes far beyond supporting his own child as he champions the success of every student at Desert View. His belief in “all students” is evident through his consistent presence at school events, his efforts to connect classrooms with community partners and his passion for creating enriching opportunities across all grade levels. A committed member of the school’s Site Council, Jeff meets monthly with school leaders, offering thoughtful insight on school safety, attendance and literacy goals. His dedication ensures that every decision supports student growth and achievement. He also stepped up to support the school’s athletic program, volunteering his time to help coach the boys basketball team and contributing to the District’s Sports Council. Jeff also serves as president of the East Sunnyslope Neighborhood Association, organizing impactful events like SlopeFest and bringing valuable resources to school functions. From recruiting community leaders to read with students to creating engaging experiences at family events, his generosity and leadership have strengthened connections between school and community. Jeff’s influence reaches well beyond programs and events as he has played a vital role in fostering a community where children feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

WESD’s amazing summer school programming concluded last week, and today we’re kicking off a series of highlights showcasing the incredible learning experiences our students enjoyed throughout the summer!

Our first spotlight is on the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Summer Program. Students in kindergarten through seventh grade strengthened literacy and math skills while participating in hands-on STEAM and career-readiness activities. A highlight of the summer was Career Exploration Day at Grand Canyon University, where students explored future career pathways and connected with professionals from a variety of industries.

Through partnerships with Junior Innovators, STIIX, GenTech, and KiwiCo, students engaged in exciting project-based learning that fostered creativity, innovation, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving. Students at five campuses also welcomed ASU’s Sparky, who inspired them to think about their future educational goals.

A BIG thank you to our dedicated staff and community partners for helping create an unforgettable summer of learning! 🌟

⭐️ 2026 LAMP OF LEARNING SPOTLIGHT ⭐️

Congratulations to Alysia Simpson, instructional coach at Sunburst Elementary! 🧡

Widely recognized as the “glue that holds everyone together,” Alysia is the embodiment of excellence, service and student-centered leadership. On campus, she is a constant, visible presence – supporting classrooms, mentoring teachers and building meaningful relationships with students and families. She brings purpose and passion each day, inspiring others to believe in every child’s potential. Her steadfast commitment ensures that every decision she makes is rooted in student success. Alysia’s impact is both immediate and far-reaching. She works side by side with teachers to analyze data, identify learning gaps and design targeted instruction, often modeling lessons and supporting small groups to ensure meaningful outcomes. Her dedication to English Learners is especially powerful; by creating customized AZELLA practice tools and providing direct instruction, she has significantly increased student confidence and achievement. Beyond academics, she is deeply invested in students’ social-emotional growth, providing consistent check-ins, behavior supports and encouragement that foster lasting change. A National Board Certified Teacher, Alysia extends her influence across the District as a mentor and facilitator, guiding educators through rigorous professional growth and elevating instructional practices at every level. Her leadership, collaboration and advocacy strengthen not only her school but the entire District. What truly sets Alysia apart is her heart. Through her compassion, integrity and tireless dedication, she ensures every student and educator feels supported, valued and inspired to succeed.

⭐️ 2026 LAMP OF LEARNING SPOTLIGHT ⭐️

Congratulations to Lee Rosenthal, director of field marketing at Peter Piper Pizza and business partner of multiple WESD schools! ❤️

Encompassing what extraordinary partnership looks like and what it means to truly invest in a community, Lee is nothing short of amazing. With more than 20 years of dedicated service, Lee has consistently gone above and beyond to support students, families and staff – especially within Title I schools – creating meaningful opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. As an early leader with Peter Piper Pizza, Lee pioneered impactful school partnerships, organizing thousands of fundraisers across 32 schools and donating countless vouchers to celebrate student achievement, including Student of the Month, SUPER Kids and perfect attendance recognitions. His generosity has removed barriers and created joyful, inclusive experiences for students and families alike. Lee’s commitment is evident in every detail – from hosting the “Best Roller Coaster” family event at no cost, to rewarding summer learning growth with celebratory meals, to coordinating engaging field trips through the KidSpace program. He has also been a steadfast supporter of staff, providing meals during conferences, appreciation events and Districtwide initiatives, including feeding over 150 attendees at a recent new teacher induction. Beyond resources, Lee offers something even more impactful: opportunity. By mentoring students and employing many as their first job, he helps build confidence, responsibility and real-world skills – often coming full circle as former students give back to their community. Lee’s legacy is certainly one of generosity, connection and lasting impact.