School Spotlight: Franklin Accelerated Academy - Jordan Campus
At the first governing board meeting of every month during the 2025-2026 school year, Mesa Public Schools will recognize a Spotlight School. The Spotlight School at the September 11th meeting was Franklin Accelerated Academy - Jordan Campus. Below is a video about the school and Principal Megan Hulihee's remarks on each honoree.
Spotlight Student: Scarlett Jarvis
Scarlett is a kind 6th grade student who is always looking for ways to be helpful—never seeking recognition or reward. She is sweet, respectful to everybody, and brings joy to those around her with her constant smile. Her service to others, excitement to learn, and inclusive nature make her a trustworthy and caring young lady.
From her earliest years at Franklin, Scarlett stood out as smart, funny, and kind—truly an all-around amazing human. She is a high achiever who takes pride in her work, monitors her own learning, and strives to do her very best in all she does. Integrity is a word that describes her well.
Scarlett is a natural leader and a wonderful example for others. These qualities led to her being elected our Student Council President this year. She models what it means to be kind, courteous, and respectful, and she goes out of her way to lift up her peers. Whether volunteering to help a teacher, reaching out to a classmate in need, or making sure everyone feels included, Scarlett exemplifies the spirit of a Franklin Firebird.
With her drive, strong work ethic, and genuine care for others, Scarlett is a concrete example of what every Franklin student can aspire to be. We are truly lucky to have such a respected student leader in our school community.
Spotlight Staff Member (Certified): Jennifer Watson
Jennifer Watson has a true passion for PE and shows compassion by serving others. She is so creative, high energy, and always has a smile on her face. The children love her, and she makes school a fun and safe place to be. Whether motivating students to do their best, giving calm corrections when needed, or helping them understand the “why” behind expectations, Jennifer brings positivity and purpose to every interaction.
Jennifer is a team player who goes above and beyond. She is always willing to brainstorm ideas, follow up with colleagues, and offer thoughtful suggestions to improve plans. She is totally organized—her lesson plans, the equipment room, and the MPR are all models of efficiency—and her lessons flow seamlessly with zero down time, maximizing every minute for learning. Every lesson is fun, motivational, and designed to help students succeed.
Her dedication to building a positive Franklin community is evident in so many ways. She upholds the Franklin Program, promotes teamwork and school spirit, and leads the 7:30 Club—where students arrive excited to start the day with fun activities that build connection. Jennifer knows students “more than by name, strength, and need.” She sends personalized birthday wishes, celebrates special accomplishments, and takes time to make each child feel valued. One parent even shared that when their daughter was new to the school and struggling to make friends, she came home saying, “Mom, Mrs. Watson is pretty much my only friend.” Years later, though her friendships have grown, she still considers Mrs. Watson one of her “best friends.”
Jennifer also goes the extra mile to meet the unique needs of students. When a student that had been born with only one hand needed to learn to tie her shoes, Jennifer went on YouTube, learned how to tie shoes with one hand, and then taught the student how to do it herself. She is known for teaching countless students this important skill and for modeling patience, empathy, and resourcefulness.
Beyond the gym, Jennifer is the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Queen,” saving the district significant funding on equipment and teaching students to be responsible citizens. She also has a knack for community-building and enrollment—whether chatting with random non-Franklin families walking in the neighborhood or striking up a conversation at the local pizza place (all in a completely natural and non-awkward manner!), she has sparked interest in our program and brought new families to the Franklin Jordan campus.
Jennifer Watson truly plays a key role in setting students up for success, supporting staff, and strengthening our school community. She is a role model for all, and we are so lucky to have her as part of our Franklin family!
Spotlight Staff Member (Classified): Ruta Sweetsir
As the Office Specialist, Ruta is the heartbeat of our school. She is the eyes and ears of our campus, and is quick to respond to any request or need. Ruta keeps us all on track with her efficiency, professionalism, and dedication—giving 1000% to everything she does. We can count on her to do her very best.
Starting as an instructional assistant, Ruta has been a member of the Franklin Jordan and Franklin Alma community for nearly 15 years. Over the years, she has developed relationships with the community and is the friendly face of the school for our families, greeting everyone with kindness and a warm smile. Ruta always listens, cares, and gives thoughtful feedback. She is patient, respectful, and consistently helpful to teachers, staff, and students alike.
Her positive attitude and commitment to excellence foster a welcoming environment for students, parents, and staff. Simply put, Ruta’s kindness, helpfulness, and unwavering dedication make a significant impact on the atmosphere of our office and on the entire school community.