At every board meeting during the school year, Mesa Public Schools will recognize a Spotlight School. Zaharis Elementary was the Feb. 25 Spotlight School Below are principal Jen Kunz's remarks on each honoree.
Certified Staff: Heather Bullard
It is with great admiration and gratitude that we recognize Heather Bullard . Heather is not only a master teacher with twenty-eight years of experience, but also a beacon of dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues. Heather is more than an educator—she is a mentor, an inspiration, and a guiding force who shapes the future of every student she encounters at Zaharis.
Her deep understanding of inquiry and innovation makes learning engaging and meaningful, igniting curiosity and a love for learning for her students. Her patience and empathy are unmatched—she sees the unique strengths and needs of her students and adapts her teaching style to ensure that they have every opportunity to succeed. She instills confidence, resilience, and a lifelong passion for learning, leaving an imprint on her students that lasts far beyond the classroom.
Heather’s dedication extends well beyond her role as a teacher. She is a pillar of support for our school community, always willing to go the extra mile to assist students, colleagues, and families. Whether serving on committees, leading professional development, or collaborating with her teammates to increase student achievement, Heather’s leadership and professionalism shine through. Her contributions as a respected member of the leadership team makes her an invaluable asset to our school.
We are honored to celebrate her dedication, her passion, and the incredible impact she continues to make in the lives of students and our school community.
Classified Staff: Susan Knott
Tonight I have the honor of recognizing someone who truly makes a difference every single day at Zaharis- Ms. Susan Knott. Susan has been a classified staff member for the past 20 years and has dedicated her time, and energy to supporting our school community. Over the years, she has held many roles on our campus but her most important role has been her ability to work alongside teachers and their students every day as an instructional assistant. Whether working in the hallway helping a student with their math facts or sitting knee to knee alongside a beginner reader, Susan works tirelessly to support student learning. She is also never without a smile on her face and a happy greeting.
Beyond her direct work with students, Susan plays an essential role in keeping our school organized and running efficiently. No task is too big or too small—she is always willing to lend a helping hand, stepping in wherever needed. Her dedication, reliability, and selfless service have left a lasting mark on our Zaharis community.
Our school is truly a better place because of Susan. Her years of hard work, compassion, and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for all that she has done.
Student: Parker Adams
I am thrilled to honor Parker Adams, a student who has made a lasting impression on both his classroom and the Zaharis community. Parker is a force to be reckoned with, demonstrating determination, passion, and excellence in everything he does. His hard work and attention to detail set him apart, and his enthusiasm for learning is truly inspiring.
According to his teacher, Ms. Klem, one of Parker’s greatest qualities is his steadfast dedication—he approaches every task with focus and perseverance. But beyond his academic excellence, Parker is also a remarkable friend and role model. His classmates describe him as someone who sets the example, encourages others, and always lends a helping hand. His leadership shines through in the way he supports those around him, guiding his peers in the right direction and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Parker’s kindness, integrity, and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable part of our school community. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and the positive impact he has on those around him.