Dorothy Stinson Elementary School

Thank you
to our amazing PTO!! We greatly appreciate all that you did for our students and staff this year.

THANK YOU
to our staff, students and parents for a great school year! Have a safe and fun summer!!!

Dorothy Stinson 4th Quarter Principal’s Gold List and Honor Roll 3rd Grade Principal’s Gold List Harlee Brandes, Daniel Carrasco, Mellie Cluff, Charlene Dowdney, Joie Gebbie, Avery Johnson, Chayten Leachet, Jax Martinez,

🍎✨ Each year, Safford Rotary Club recognizes a Teacher of Distinction from each Graham County school district to honor the educators who make an extraordinary impact on the lives of our youth. Through our scholarship fundraising efforts, we understand the important role teachers play in shaping future success, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication and service to our community.

This year’s Phyllis Ann Bryce Teacher of Distinction for Dorothy Stinson School is Yesenia Castro! 👏

Principal Michael Moreno shared that Yesenia has served as a first-grade teacher at Dorothy Stinson School for the past fourteen years and is recognized as a master teacher who approaches every student with kindness, compassion, and a commitment to helping them succeed.

Yesenia is known for her deep knowledge of first-grade curriculum and state standards, as well as her ability to meet students where they are academically and emotionally. She creates a structured classroom environment where students thrive, tailoring lessons to challenge advanced learners while providing additional support for students who need it most. Her dedication and understanding have made a lasting impact on countless students and families.

Beyond the classroom, Yesenia plays an important role on the school’s Student Study Team, helping identify strategies and resources to support struggling students across campus. She is also committed to continued professional growth and has recently taken on the challenge of becoming National Board Certified.

Dorothy Stinson School is proud to honor Yesenia Castro as their 2026 Teacher of Distinction for her leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to student success.

As part of this recognition, Safford Rotary honors recipients with a Teacher of Distinction certificate and a cash gift as a small token of appreciation for all they do for our students and community.

Congratulations, Yesenia Castro, and thank you for the incredible difference you make every day! 🍎📚✨

Teacher Appreciation Week starts on Monday. When you see a teacher on Monday don’t forget to THANK them for all they do for our students!!