Aylen Junior High Earns 2025 Statewide Recognition For Positive School Culture

Congratulations to Aylen Junior High (AJH) for being honored by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) and the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) as a recipient of the 2025 Culture Kick-Off Award!

Purpose of the Award

The Culture Kick-Off Award honors schools for launching the school year with a strong, intentional focus on belonging, student leadership, and student-adult partnership.

Award Criteria

Schools honored with this award display:

• A schoolwide focus on belonging and community values
• Intentional structures that help students feel grounded, confident, and connected at the start of the year
• Student leadership opportunities that give students a voice and active role in shaping their school
• Partnerships between students, staff, and families that reinforce inclusion and shared ownership of school culture
• Cultural events and recognition programs that build community throughout the year

How Aylen Demonstrated Positive School Culture

• New Student Support: Aylen's upper-class students welcomed incoming 7th grade students, introducing them to team-building activities and peer mentoring. Additionally, the Falcons implemented an onboarding process for mid-year arrivals, ensuring guidance and a welcoming environment for every new student.
   
• Student Leadership: Created and produced by students, The Falcon News Network shares information, highlights achievements, and gives student journalists a platform to use their voice. Also, AJH's Student Equity Advisory Council collaborates with staff to shape inclusive practices and ensure all students feel represented across the school.
   
• Culture, Community, and Service: Through planning and collaboration, Aylen's students and staff connect with students and their local community through spirit days, recognition programs, student celebrations, academic awards, and community events such as Falcon Fest, Culture Day, and Hispanic Latino Heritage Night. Students participate in community service efforts such as food drives, awareness campaigns, and a spring initiative chosen by the student body.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

Aylen's initiatives that helped earn the award reflect their mission and vision statement—recognize that all students can learn at high levels—and strive to instill growth, cultivate college and career readiness, and develop each child, each day, in a welcoming and caring environment.