Four Peaks Elementary School teacher Mary McDonald has been named the Four Peaks Rotary Club’s Teacher of the Month for March 2016.

Input from local principals helps the Rotary Club recognize teachers on a monthly basis throughout the school year. In addition to the recognition, the club provides a $200 check for the teacher’s use.

The Four Peaks Rotary Club Teacher of the Month demonstrates that they have the respect of students, parents and peers; bring out the best in each student regardless of individual academic ability; and are actively involved in providing and promoting high quality educational opportunities for students in Fountain Hills.

Principal Anita Gomez recently shared with Rotary visitors why McDonald was nominated for the recognition.

A fourth grade teacher, Gomez said McDonald is a consummate professional who advocates for her students and makes sure they all receive the care and attention they need.

“Mrs. McDonald looks out for boht the academic progress and the emotional wellbeing of her students,” Gomez said.

“Although this is Mrs. McDonald’s first year teaching at FHUSD, she has accomplished a great deal in that time both in the classroom and in encouraging student involvement in community activities.”

Gomez highlighted several of these accomplishments, including organizing a group of students to run in the past Turkey Trot, drafting a grant request for Kindness Retreat funding and organized a display of student work at the River of Time Museum.

“These are just a few examples of how Mrs. McDonald successfully educates her students while simultaneously giving them an appreciation of our community and what it means to be good citizens,” Gomez added.

“We are lucky to have an educator of her caliber at Four Peaks Elementary School.”

The Four Peaks Rotary Club invites everyone to learn more about the club by visiting fourpeaksrotary.org. The group meets the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 7 a.m. at Fountain View Village.

For further information, contact club President Jay Schlum at 602-301-7855 or Jay@ArizonaLiving.com.