Hohokam Elementary earns A+ School of Excellence as Principal Chuck Rantala prepares to depart

Hohokam Elementary School in the Scottsdale Unified District celebrated designation as an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation and a leadership transition as Principal Chuck Rantala said this will be his last year and Assistant Principal Maggie Feynon will become principal.

The designation recognizes school culture, community engagement and programs that support college and career readiness, district and school leaders said at the on-site celebration. The award was presented alongside staff t-shirts, a student treat, and remarks from district and foundation representatives.

The A+ recognition matters to families and staff because it highlights sustained practices the school said it uses to support students. "The sea of green was really special," Dr. Menzel said, describing students wearing A+ shirts and chanting. School leaders and visitors told the audience the A+ judges emphasized the campus culture and how visitors felt when they were on site.

Principal Chuck Rantala said earning the designation again had been a multi-year goal that weathered scheduling choices and the COVID-19 pandemic. Rantala said staff formed teams to draft the application and involved families and the APT executive board to provide examples and evidence of the school's work. "This has been on the radar for some time," he said.

Assistant Principal Maggie Feynon, who has taught at Hohokam for about 15 years and moved into the AP role in February 2023, said she is "ready for the task" of taking the principal role and intends to keep Hohokam "student centered and striving for excellence." Feynon told the program she expects to maintain the school's warm, welcoming climate.

Speakers highlighted programs the school listed in its A+ application, including the AVID framework, which the school described as a structure emphasizing writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading. School leaders said AVID supports the district's college- and career-readiness goals and noted an annual college showcase that introduces students to postsecondary options.

Representatives from the Arizona Educational Foundation congratulated students and staff. "This award is a recognition for all the amazing work that all the students have been doing, all the teachers have been doing, the community members, the parents," Eric Rodriguez said.

Students who spoke at the event described everyday life at Hohokam. "Every day is a great day at this school," one student said, noting friendly teachers and a welcoming campus.

School staff also cited out-of-class supports the school offers, including before- and after-school opportunities, enrichment clubs and a homework-help program the school called the Falcon Academy. School leaders said the Hohokam APT helped cover the cost of staff and student A+ shirts and provided a frozen treat for students through the district's nutritional services.

Scottsdale Unified District communications noted Hohokam is one of 29 district schools and was one of three in the district to receive an A+ rating this year. Leaders at the event pointed to the Coronado Promise program and several students from Hohokam who have advanced through that cohort; staff said an initial group of 38 students was reported earlier and that number then became 34 because four students later received full scholarships to their chosen universities.

The event concluded with formal congratulations to staff, students and community partners and with district leaders praising Rantala's long service; Rantala has led Hohokam for about 12 years and previously served in other district schools. The program closed by announcing Feynon as the school’s incoming principal and thanking the district community for support.

No formal board action, vote or personnel resolution was recorded in the program; the event was a celebration and public announcement on campus.