Peter Howell Elementary
Here at Howell, we are proud of the success of our school and students. We were awarded the Grade of B by the Arizona Dept. of Education. We are also dedicated to being a Be Kind school, a program that educates and empowers students, faculty, and staff to create a culture of kindness in our school and beyond.
[Features list coming soon...]
Have a fun and safe summer! We can't wait to see you in August.
No school for grades K-12.
All schools and District offices are closed.
All schools and District offices are closed.
OMA Showcase Honor Choir (Grades 3-6)
Our students joined over one hundred students, selected from schools around Tucson, to open and close the OMA Showcase 2025 with the following performances:
- "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears – arranged by Kirby Shaw
Watch Performance (YouTube) - "Everyday Heroes" by Teresa Jennings – directed by Sara Gascho
Watch Performance (YouTube) - "Brave" by Sara Bareillas – arranged by Janet Day
Watch Performance (YouTube) - "Hero by PinkZebra – directed by Sara Gascho & accompanied by Jacob Litt
Watch Performance (YouTube)
Our principal Jaquette Alexander was recognized as a Super-OMA Principal by OMA staff.
At the OMA Showcase 2025 she was given a trophy by Dr. Trujillo, Dr. Ashcraft, and adorned with a cape by Leanne Mille, Art Curator for her support of the OMA program at her school.
Laura Oberg has been a huge part of the Howell school community for 23 years, dedicating her entire career in the district to our school. Over the years, she has taken on multiple roles, including teaching first and third grade, as well as working in the ELD (English Language Development) program for three years.
When reflecting on her favorite memories at Howell, Laura mentioned the joy of seeing her students learn and grow. Teaching third grade has allowed her the special opportunity to watch her students progress through fourth and fifth grade, a journey she very much enjoys watching.
Beyond her work in the classroom, Laura has also experienced the unique joy of teaching the children of former students. Recently, she had a visit from an 18-year-old former student, a reminder of the lasting impact she has had on so many young lives.
Outside of school, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and reading. As she looks ahead to retirement, she plans to focus on her family, including caring for her 94-year-old mother and two grandchildren.
Originally born and raised in New Mexico, Laura has called Arizona home for nearly 40 years. She takes great pride in the strong, close-knit community at Peter Howell, emphasizing how the staff works together to support each other and their students. She believes this teamwork makes Howell an great choice for families.
A fast-acting 4th grader saved a fellow Howell student's life and was recognized as a Howell Hawks Hero by the entire school!
Kathy Brown has her hands busy as Peter Howell Elementary’s Garden and Chicken Enrichment Specialist, but luckily she has help. Her daughter Treyah, a fourth grader at Howell, loves to help her mom. Treyah actually came to the midtown school first, starting kindergarten at Howell during the pandemic. Kathy got used to having Treyah around during the day due to remote learning. So, when Treyah had to go back to school in 1st grade, mom followed her and initially became a teacher’s assistant before moving to her current position.
Marcia TenebrusoCommunity Liaison
Marcia is an 18-year employee at Howell Elementary. She began her time at the midtown school when her own children attended Howell, getting started as a school monitor. Over the years, she has worked her way into the Community Liaison position after putting in the work as a one-on-one aide, working in self-contained classrooms, serving as the attendance clerk, and more.
Even though her children moved on from Howell, Marcia has stayed because it feels like a home, she said. And it is like a second home. When walking to her office, there is a Star Wars themed bulletin next to her door. But once inside, guests are treated to an 8-foot animatronic Darth Vader, who was donated and is always decorated for the current holiday.
“My two favorites are Yoda and Darth Vader because I’m a big believer in balance – work balance, home balance,” Marcia said.
Irma Burrell3rd Grade Teacher
Irma makes a 35–45-minute commute to and from work daily. But she wouldn’t have it any other way. Irma started at Howell Elementary 30 years ago, as a substitute teacher. She really liked the midtown school so, when a position opened up for the following school year, Irma took them up on it.
Over the last decade, Irma has started seeing the children of former students of hers come in. A couple of years ago, a parent said they drove 25 minutes to send her child to Howell because she was an alum of the school and had Irma as her 3rd grade teacher.
“I love the community,” Irma said. “I love the student population. And that is what has kept me here for 30 years. I really enjoy coming to work every day.”
Flor RoblesELD Teacher
Flor has made it full circle at Howell Elementary. Back in 1996, she first came to the midtown school as the bilingual 4th and 5th grade teacher out in the portables. Her positions changed over the years, but once an ELD position opened up she knew she wanted to get back to teaching English Language Learners (ELL).
“From the very beginning, since I started with bilingual students, I always had a certain passion for ELLs,” Flor said. “And my focus got stronger, more passionate about working with my ELLs.”
Flor has now been teaching ELLs for more than 10 years, and she finds the work very rewarding.
“We get students from many different countries,” Flor said. “They bring their culture, their passion to learn about the United States and they’re so passionate about learning English quickly.”
