Debby Cruz Named Principal of the Month

Mountain View School Principal Debby Cruz was named the Grand Canyon University (GCU) Principal of the Month for October.  

The GCU Principal of the Month awards are given to outstanding school leaders who demonstrate creativity and vision while implementing or supporting areas of focus including STEM-related pathways and programs, character education and innovations designed to increase student success.  Below is an excerpt from the nomination letter submitted by Mountain View School staff.

Principal Cruz was honored for her dedication to inspiring children to learn, grow and succeed and for going above and beyond to promote STEM learning at Mountain View.  Principal Cruz has supported Mountain View School to continuously improve in STEM to include STEM professional development opportunities, improving the STEAM Night with the support of PTA and staff, and she also connected the school with the NAU STEM Focused School of the Future Grant. 

Throughout the past two years, Principal Cruz has created a positive environment, where teachers and staff at Mountain View have felt supported and appreciated. Principal Cruz has brought many fun aspects of celebration to the school culture including Monthly Student Award Assemblies, Staff Perfect Attendance Awards, and Staff Golden Paw Awards, where she seeks out community nominations of wonderful staff and how they have positively impacted their children. She even made a "Golden Treat Cart" that she stocks up with snacks for the class that has the best overall attendance for the month. Principal Cruz has made gains with STEM education throughout all classes, the school label improved from a B to an A this past year under her leadership, highlighting the hard work of her and all staff members.

Debby was recognized at a recent district principal meeting in front of her peers by GCU and received a gift basket, plaque and gift card celebrating her efforts.