August 23, 2026

 

What a great start to the year!  

Thank you everyone!

  

MEMS IAP GOALS

• Mount Elden Middle School will increase Math AASA scores by no less than 10% for each grade level from the 2025 Spring AASA score to the 2026 Spring AASA scores.

• Mount Elden Middle School will increase ELA AASA scores by no less than 10% for each grade level from the 2025 Spring AASA score to the 2026 Spring AASA scores.

• Mount Elden Middle School will increase ELA and Math AASA scores for identified special education students by 10% from the 2025 Spring AASA score to the 2026 Spring AASA score.

Complete Mandatory Trainings by September 15th

 If you know you are going to be gone for a school event, please call off as soon as possible.  Please 

do not wait.

Tutoring/Homework Club can begin this week.  

Pay based on $29.80 per hour 

Homework Club 

Core content classes

 3:30-5:00 

Open times 2X per week

Monday-Thursday

Pay per time club meets $44.70

Lunch time Tutoring 30 mins.

3 times per week 

focus on Math and ELA only

open to any grade level

$14.90 

APPLY HERE

2026 Arizona Middle Grades Summit

    See email sent by Tammy

 

CLUBS:

    Yearbook Club pays $1500

Lunch Duty

    First Lunch only

            Can earn up to $200 a month

SPORTS:

• Volley Ball
• Coaches
• Refs
• Soccer
• Ref

                

FROM ESS:

Katie and Trina will continue to provide additional support to out ESS students during T-Bird.  They can pull and help students who are missing assignments, have not completed an assessment, or are redoing an assessment. You can look at both the spreadsheet and the form and choose which is the easiest for you to complete.  Please make sure to report what missing work or assignments that our ESS students need to complete, so the team can provide additional support during that T-Bird time. Reach out to Katie Tobin or Kristin Brown if you have any questions!

Google Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWeToI8Ed3VxYc2jz_yloa7uQg6Y7EwaOSH3tq3ZUq5T6GmQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104495509486576933194

Spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14AIa9VXgCz6wnsV20GZGdNxiG8y_lBau76Jd5dFK3_M/edit?gid=1284143065#gid=1284143065

1. Split Screen (Multitasking)

Great for working in two apps at once, so students don't have to constantly flip back and forth (honestly, a lifesaver for me, too!).

• How to turn it on: Go to Settings ➡️ Multitasking & Gestures ➡️ select Windowed Apps.
• How to use it: Open the first app, gently swipe up a little from the bottom of the screen, then tap, hold, and drag the second app onto the screen.

2. Text-to-Speech (Speak Selection)

Awesome for students who need text read aloud to them.

• How to turn it on: Go to Settings ➡️ Accessibility ➡️ Read & Speak ➡️ toggle on Speak Selection.
• How to use it:
1. Highlight any text on the screen, tap the arrow in the popup menu, and tap Speak.
2. Bonus Tip: Students can also snap a photo of a physical worksheet or book page, highlight the text in the photo, and use the exact same Speak tool!

WEEKLY CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHTS 

 

    When sending Tammy photos please text them!  She can only upload to social media via her phone.  This will eliminate the extra step of downloading and airdropping.  Thank you!

FRIDAY COLLABORATION

Team Meetings

1:00-1:45

Department meeting 

1:50-2:40

FUSD Canvas DNA Testing Training 

2:50-3:50

Please do your DNA training in department meetings. 

Magical Staff of the Week: Jenn Federio 

Jen is such an asset to our school.  She has created a safe space for every child and meets each of the students' social and emotional needs.  She uses creative techniques and Restorative Practices to reach every child.   Jen supports all the staff by supporting all of the MEMS students. Thank you for being an inspiration! 

AUGUST: 

Monday-Thursday

• Camp Colton Team Red leaves 
• Clubs and Sports begin 

• Aug 25
• Penny visits
• Classroom visit will be conducted 
• Penny is Tammy Principal Partner with Project Momentum
• FUSD School Baord Meeting 

• Aug 26
• Tammy Out- Donna Subbing

BLACKOUT DATES AND PROTOCOLS

As a reminder, the following days are blackout days under FUSD policy. The day prior or subsequent to any scheduled holiday. The first or last instructional week of the year. Parent/teacher conference days Employees requesting time off during this time must submit an alternative conference schedule with their request in order to be considered. Make-up days such as snow day make up  Testing days for test administrators and proctors. You must have principal pre-approval if you must call off for extenuating circumstances.  Please don’t plan a trip without prior approval. Thank you for understanding.   “Personal leave will not be granted on unless you receive pre-approval from principal.: Any day we are above the 10% threshold. When we hit the 10% threshold, I will then need to deny.  It is very helpful when you secure a sub.   Upcoming Blackout Dates:     Sept 4, 8 OVER 10% thresh hold:

Do you have a SHOUT OUT for a fellow colleague?  

CLICK HERE 

From Christy B:  Jenny - You absolutely CRUSHED it with iPads the first week of school. Not only did you pass out hundreds of iPads and deal with numerous student and staff technology concerns, but you did this ALL WITHOUT an assistant! You are unstoppable and much loved and appreciated by all of the staff here at MEMS! We are so lucky to have you lady!

From Anonymous: Morgan Coverdale has been working so hard to connect with her students and make them feel welcome and it is working!! She is a rockstar

August 16, 2026

 

  

MEMS IAP GOALS

• Mount Elden Middle School will increase Math AASA scores by no less than 10% for each grade level from the 2025 Spring AASA score to the 2026 Spring AASA scores.

• Mount Elden Middle School will increase ELA AASA scores by no less than 10% for each grade level from the 2025 Spring AASA score to the 2026 Spring AASA scores.

• Mount Elden Middle School will increase ELA and Math AASA scores for identified special education students by 10% from the 2025 Spring AASA score to the 2026 Spring AASA score.

Complete Mandatory Trainings by September 15th

 

Evacuation Drill

• Tuesday during T-Bird time
• Running Safety Updates and Drills 2026-27

Picture Day

• Wednesday through Social Studies

Thunderbird Central

• I have renamed the Recap post from August 7 to Thunderbird Central. Please check it every week as I am updating it.
• A link has been added to the upper right corner of the BLOG.

LISC

• Please have them posted every day throughout your lesson for students to see and you refer back to them.

OPPORTUNITIES:

• Paid Lunch Duty

            Contact Tammy

                Can earn up to $200 a month

Clubs:  

• Chess Club

• Robotics

• Inclusion Club

• STUCO- Looking for 2 sponsors

• Yearbook Club

Will be a digital yearbook this year

If you have a club idea and/or there is student interest in a club please see Morgan June.

SPORTS:

• Volley Ball
• Coaches
• Refs
• Soccer
• Ref

FRIDAY COLLABORATION

FUSD Department Collaboration

Some groups will be called for meetings such as SPED, ELL, etc. 

1:45-3:50 

Remaining MEMS Staff

personal prep 

1:00-1:40 

Team Meetings

1:45-2:40

Department meeting 

2:45-3:50

Magical Staff of the Week: Sonia Salsberg 

What an amazing asset you are to MEMS.  Thank you for the wonderful training on Teacher Clarity and your dedication to supporting our staff. 

AUGUST: 

• Aug 18 
• 1st evacuation of the year in T-Bird on Tuesday
• Aug 19
• Picture Day
• During Social Studies
• 
  

BLACKOUT DATES AND PROTOCOLS

As a reminder, the following days are blackout days under FUSD policy. The day prior or subsequent to any scheduled holiday. The first or last instructional week of the year. Parent/teacher conference days Employees requesting time off during this time must submit an alternative conference schedule with their request in order to be considered. Make-up days such as snow day make up  Testing days for test administrators and proctors. You must have principal pre-approval if you must call off for extenuating circumstances.  Please don’t plan a trip without prior approval. Thank you for understanding.   “Personal leave will not be granted on unless you receive pre-approval from principal.: Any day we are above the 10% threshold. When we hit the 10% threshold, I will then need to deny.  It is very helpful when you secure a sub.   Upcoming Blackout Dates: OVER 10% thresh hold:

Do you have a SHOUT OUT for a fellow colleague?  

CLICK HERE 

From Jenny S: Thank you, Molly, Olivia, Emma, Ben, Sara, Beth, Rosie, and Laura for helping distribute iPads last week. I couldn’t have done it without all of your help.

From Admin:  Thank you Jenny Stearns for you help at dismissal during the heavy rain.  We appreciate you ability to step in and assist.  

From Admin:  Thank you Jacquie for heading up T-Bird TIme information.  We appreciate you!

First week with students

 

MEMS Represented at the FUSD Back to School Event 

As promised....

First Week of School Information:

• Students will go to T-Bird Class
• Please take attendance 
• We will call hallways to dismiss to the gym

• ASSEMBLY:
• Walk out songs
• Please line up in order

• Student Schedule Issues
• Beginning second hour and throughout the day have students check their schedules
• ONLY SEND STUDENTS TO THE COUNSELING OFFICE IF THEY ARE MISSING A CLASS.  
• DO NOT send students who want a schedule change. They can complete a request form in the counseling office before or after school and at lunch.  

HOW TO SURVIVE THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL:

• Stay Hydrated
• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat heathy
• Be on time so you do not have to rush
• Be prepared!  
• Ask for help if you need it
• Ask questions to Admin if you have any
• Find joy in our students they are our WHY!!!!!!

Wednesday 

August 12 

5:00-6:30 

This year let's try something new instead of walking your schedule.  Let's try having Open House much like Showcase night.  We will do it by teams.  Please have handout available for your families.  

• All 6th grade will meet in the Dome.  
• 5:00- Camp Colton meeting
• 6th grade teams will present together
• Families have time to walk their schedules. 
• PE will be in the Gym
• Clubs and Athletics in MPR

All other teams email Tammy by the end of Tuesday to let her know where and how you would like to present your team.  

                   Complete mandatory training                       

Friday Collaboration

1:00-1:45 

TEI Update 

MPR

2:00-2:45

Team CT

2:50-3:50

Department CT

Any questions or concerns? Please see David Pischke, Liz Canuas

Remember, we may not get everything right this week, but we will show up and try everyday.  Give yourself and others grace.