Balsz School District

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

🌟 Balsz Community Education Foundation Opportunity Grants in Action! 🌟
A huge thank you to the Balsz Community Education Foundation for their incredible generosity and continued support of Balsz students and staff!

🎉 Congratulations to the September 2026 BCEF Opportunity Grant recipients!

📚 Matthias Huth | Griffith Elementary School- A Member of the Balsz School District
Electronics Snap Kits and Arduino materials — $500

🎧 Elliott Koch | Tillman Middle School
Wired headphones for science classroom — $200

⚽ Coach "V" - Valeria Johnson | Brunson-Lee Elementary School Academy
Soccer equipment — $500

🎧 Heather Ostrowski | Tillman Middle School
Noise-cancelling headphones for students with sensory issues — $250

💙 Eloisa Cirne | Balsz Parent & Community Program Specialist
Supplies for students experiencing homelessness (McKinney-Vento) — $500

🎭 Nate Pence | Griffith Elementary School- A Member of the Balsz School District
Winter Musical Showcase — $500

✨ Thank you, BCEF, for investing in Balsz educators and students and helping create opportunities that make a difference across our schools!

Congratulations, grant awardees! Balsz School District Tillman Middle School Brunson-Lee Elementary School
Visit www.balszfoundation.org to apply for Opportunity Grants!

10/02/2026

⭐ Balsz Principals Are Everyday Heroes! ⭐

October is School Principal Appreciation Month, and we’re celebrating the incredible principals who lead with heart, purpose, and a whole lot of dedication!

⭐ Mrs. Mendez-Perez — Brunson-Lee Elementary School Academy
⭐ Mr. Hannafin — Crockett Elementary School
⭐ Mrs. Fortunate — Griffith Elementary School- A Member of the Balsz School District
⭐ Mrs. Shehan — Tillman Middle School

Our principals are the ones cheering students on, supporting teachers, connecting with families, solving the unexpected challenges that come with each school day, and helping create schools where every child has a place to learn, a place to grow, and a place to belong. ❤️

We are grateful for the leadership, energy, and commitment our principals bring to their schools every single day. Thank you for being champions for our students and staff—and for proving that sometimes the best superheroes don't wear capes… they carry a walkie-talkie! 📚✨

Happy Principal Appreciation Month to our amazing Balsz principals! 💙

10/01/2026

🍂 Fall Break is almost here!

A quick reminder for our families: Fall Break is Monday, October 5, through Monday, October 12.

📚 Classes resume on Tuesday, October 13.

🥫 Don’t forget! Even though school is out, families can stop by Brunson-Lee Elementary on Thursday, October 8, at 9:00 a.m. for the St. Mary’s Food Bank distribution.

We hope everyone enjoys a relaxing and fun-filled Fall Break! We’ll see you back at school on Tuesday, October 13!

10/01/2026

❤️💚💙 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Griffith Elementary School- A Member of the Balsz School District! 💙💚❤️

Our Griffith students are sharing a little of what makes this month meaningful to them — from favorite foods and words to special celebrations and traditions. 🌎✨

Press play and hear from our students as they celebrate the culture, traditions, and experiences that make our school community so special! 💛

09/29/2026

🍎✨ Teacher Tuesday Spotlight: Ms. Erin Heath! ✨🍎

This Teacher Tuesday, we’re shining the spotlight on Ms. Erin Heath, a teacher Crockett Elementary School! 🐻❤️

Ms. Heath is passionate about her students, dedicated to her craft, and committed to making a difference every day in her classroom. She was also named the 2025 Arizona Department of Education English Learner Teacher of the Year. 🏆📚

🎥 Take a few minutes to hear from Ms. Heath as she talks about what inspires her as an educator and what makes teaching so meaningful to her.

We’re so proud to have you on the Balsz team, Ms. Heath! 💙👏

09/28/2026

🎉 A special surprise for Crockett Elementary School’s Ms. Erin Heath! 💙✨

Ms. Heath was selected to receive a $500 Arizona Public Service - APS Supply My Classroom Award, which will help provide additional supplies and resources for her classroom. 📚✏️

This recognition comes after Ms. Heath was named Arizona Department of Education English Learner Teacher of the Year last school year. We’re excited to see her receive another exciting honor!

Principal Sean Hannafin gathered Crockett’s fourth- and fifth-grade students in the courtyard for a special surprise when an APS representative arrived to share the news in person. The students joined in celebrating Ms. Heath and her award, making the moment even more memorable! 💙🐻

Congratulations, Ms. Heath! We’re so excited to celebrate you and this exciting recognition! 🌟