February 22, 2026

Parent Teacher Connections 

March 4, 5, and 6 

Early release 12:45 each day

Expectations:  

• Goal for each team: 
• 100% of students have a conference!  
• Divide and conquer!  You do not need to have all four core teachers at every conference 
• If you have down time make positive phone calls home.  Please log them as a connection. 
• Conferences are offered to ALL parents for ALL students
•  Goal is to CONNECT with EVERY family.  
• It should NOT be considered optional, please try to connect with every family.
• At each conference, ensure they know the importance of state testing and having their student at school.  We will provide you with a handout for parents.  They will be in your teacher mailboxes by March 3.
• Use Parent Square to have parents sign up.  
• Make phone calls to parents who do not respond to the Parent Square invite to sign them up for a time.   

We are required to offer one night for conferences.  We will have our night of conferences Wednesday March 4.  5:00-7:00 PM.  

ALL certified staff are expected to be in attendance.  

This is the ONLY night option we can provide. 

 

We are strongly encouraging in-person conferences.  There is a power to a face to face conversations.  Please use Teams and Phone as a last resort. 

Parent Teacher Conference Bell Schedule 

REMINDER:

Parent Teacher Conference Data 

DUE TUESDAY 3/3/26 by 6:00 pm 

Grade Level Teams: Please update your Parent Teacher Conference speadsheet to ensure all of your conferences are accounted for.  Please indicate on your Team sheet each completed conference.  This helps the front office in assisting parents and data for reporting to the school board.  Thank you!  

 

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.

     Tuesday:

        Beginning orchestra concert @ SMS.

         NAVVY Testing on Tuesday!

                            Testing Schedule

     Wednesday:

        Navajo Stick Dance 5:30 pm @ MEMS

     Friday:

        Penny Gros visits

        Cultural Assembly @ 9:00 am

                    Schedule

    

FRIDAY COLLABORATION

Team CT (if needed)

1:00-1:45

AASA Testing Training 

in the MPR

2:00-2:40 

Department Meetings/collaboration 

2:45-4:00 

• No second Civics test as we had a passing rate above 80%. GO SS!

Site Visit: MARCH 18TH 

 

Chapter 3 & 4 will be rescheduled due to delayed start on a Friday. 

Magical Staff on the Week: Ellen Davis!

February:.

• Feb 27
•  Cultural assembly

March:

• March 3
• Quarter 3 ends

• March 4-6
• Parent Teacher Conferences:
• March 4: 
• Late night conferences 5:00-7:00 pm 
• March 6 
• Early out for staff due to late conferences
• 2:30 pm
• March 23-31 
• Blackout for field trips-AZSCI and AASA Writing
• March 19 & 24 -AZSCI-NOTE THE CHANGE IN DAYS
• March 31- AASA Writing

April:

• April 1-17 
• Blackout for field trips-AASA testing 
• April 7 & 8-AASA ELA
• April 14 & 15-AASA Math
• April 28-29
• Benchmark Testing 

May:

• May 5 & 6 
• Benchmark Testing 
• May 19-21
• Finals second semester
• Early release 12:45 each day
• Grade due Thursday May 21 by 2:45 pm 
• Finals may not be given prior to  May 19th 
• No scheduled collaboration on the afternoon as you are given uninterrupted grading time.     
•  May 20
• Eighth Grade Promotion 
• FHS 4:00 pm and 6:pm 

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 Include March 4-6, 16 April 20 May 8, 21 OVER 10% thresh hold:

Do you have a SHOUT OUT for a fellow colleague?  

CLICK HERE 

From James: Big shout out to Jen Federio for leading NJHS in the MEMS recycling program! It's awesome to see our students advocate for civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. Thank you Jen!

From Beth C: Thank you FUSD Maintenance for your timely clearing of snow in our parking lots! I arrive early to make the most of my mornings, and the lots are always plowed and ready for us!

From Olivia: Bre Cheatwood: She is such a ray of positivity and always thinks of others! I appreciate you Bre!!

Winter has arrived fashionably late!

Please check the FUSD website and your email for any update on delays or cancellation that may occur this week.  Please prepare for delays by giving yourself plenty of time to get to work.  Please be safe! 

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.

     AZELLA Testing all week!

Tuesday 5:30 pm in the Dome: Navajo Stick          Game community event.

    Wednesday: Eighth grade overnight trip to          Phoenix Zoo.

FRIDAY COLLABORATION

Whole Collaboration/Book Study (SEE BELOW)

1:30-2:45

DEPARTMENT MEETINGS 

3:00-4:00 

T-Bird time 

    Please be sure to follow the                        expectation set by administration and l        leadership team. There is plenty for            students to do. There should be NO            down time to play games. If you need        assistance please reach out.

Our site visit is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026!  

Rescheduled due to incoming weather!

 

Read Chapters 3 & 4 

February 20th 

Magical Staff on the Week: George Moate!

February:.

• Feb 27
•  Cultural assembly

March:

• March 3
• Quarter 3 ends

• March 4-6
• Parent Teacher Conferences:
• March 4: 
• Late night conferences 5:00-7:00 pm 
• March 6 
• Early out for staff due to late conferences
• 2:30 pm
• March 23-31 
• Blackout for field trips-AZSCI and AASA Writing
• March 25 & 26 -AZSCI 
• March 31- AASA Writing

April:

• April 1-17 
• Blackout for field trips-AASA testing 
• April 7 & 8-AASA ELA
• April 14 & 15-AASA Math
• April 28-29
• Benchmark Testing 

May:

• May 5 & 6 
• Benchmark Testing 
• May 19-21
• Finals second semester
• Early release 12:45 each day
• Grade due Thursday May 21 by 2:45 pm 
• Finals may not be given prior to  May 19th 
• No scheduled collaboration on the afternoon as you are given uninterrupted grading time.     
•  May 20
• Eighth Grade Promotion 
• FHS 4:00 pm and 6:pm 

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 Include February 17 March 4-6, 16 April 20 May 8, 21 OVER 10% thresh hold:

Do you have a SHOUT OUT for a fellow colleague?  

CLICK HERE 

From Jenn F: Olivia Hall, thank you for being my go-to crosswalk substitute and an absolutely wonderful neighbor here at MEMS. You always seem to have the answers to my random questions. Likewise, your positive attitude and kindness are contagious and oh-so noticed by staff and students. I always feel happier after I interact with you, as do your students!!!! I appreciate you, Olivia.

From Jenn F: My shout-out is for Cindy McCullum.  I do not have a clue what I would do without you in my life here at MEMS. Our collaborations in attempts to advocate, help and honor our students and staff will live in my mind and heart forever.  Our conversations, in time of confidence, uncertainty, joy and pain, are very special to me.  You always have the right words and perspectives to share with me and with our students- something of which DOES NOT go unnoticed.  Your heart is of gold, and your warmth and kindness provide great safety and security.  I appreciate and adore you, Cindy. 

From Tammy:  Thank you to everyone who submitted ideas and/or attended the Think Tank meeting.  It is an honor to work alongside colleagues who are so dedicated to the future of MEMS. 

 

SUPER BOWL LX

Patriots vs Seahawks

Thank you for your time and thoughtful questions during the staffing meeting last Friday.   We really appreciate your insight and dedication to moving MEMS forward to serve our students and families.  

Thank You so much for checking in with me, supporting my family and the well wishes.  It means a lot to my family.  

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.

   Dr Taylor 

•                   Monday and Tuesday 
• 
  
•     AZELLA Testing all week!
• 
  
•     Think Tank Meeting 
•             Thursday 8:15 am in the Community Room

 

SECONDARY  COLLABORATION

AT 

MEMS

2:30-4:00 PM

Group and classroom information 

Team CT (if needed)

1:15-2:00

• Presentation from staffing meeting
• There is a secret word in this blog.  If you know think you know it, say it to me while I am out about.  First three who get it correct wins a prize.  
• Teacher Leads for Summer Curriculum work.  See email from Dr. Festa-Daigle on 2/4.  If interested in applying CLICK HERE 

Our site visit is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026!  

There are several components from student meeting, parent meeting, mixed staff meeting and a full staff meeting. 

STW STAFF MEETING 3:40-4:10 

Please be sure to mark your calendars to stay until 4:15

District Administration is coming over to cover dismissal duties. 

 

Read Chapters 3 & 4 

February 20th 

Magical Staff on the Week: Jenn Federio

February:

• Feb 16
• Presidents Day
• Feb 18
• Schools To Watch site visit
• Feb 24
• Civics exam for students who did not pass it the first time.
• Feb 27
•  Cultural assembly

March:

• March 3
• Quarter 3 ends

• March 4-6
• Parent Teacher Conferences:
• March 4: 
• Late night conferences 5:00-7:00 pm 
• March 6 
• Early out for staff due to late conferences
• 2:30 pm
• March 23-31 
• Blackout for field trips-AZSCI and AASA Writing
• March 25 & 26 -AZSCI 
• March 31- AASA Writing

April:

• April 1-17 
• Blackout for field trips-AASA testing 
• April 7 & 8-AASA ELA
• April 14 & 15-AASA Math
• April 28-29
• Benchmark Testing 

May:

• May 5 & 6 
• Benchmark Testing 
• May 19-21
• Finals second semester
• Early release 12:45 each day
• Grade due Thursday May 21 by 2:45 pm 
• Finals may not be given prior to  May 19th 
• No scheduled collaboration on the afternoon as you are given uninterrupted grading time.     
•  May 20
• Eighth Grade Promotion 
• FHS 4:00 pm and 6:pm 

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 Include February 13, 17 March 4-6, 16 April 20 May 8, 21 OVER 10% thresh hold:

Do you have a SHOUT OUT for a fellow colleague?  

CLICK HERE 

From David P: Shout out to Ms. Orchard and her 5th Period Theater class for collaborating with my Innovation Station 2 class! We are building set pieces for the play, and my students are having a great time and learning so so very much through real-world application of their engineering and building skills!

From Beth C: Thank you to Bre Cheatwood, Robert Collis, & Laura Abrams from the bottom of my heart for covering my class on Fridays, so I was able to run home and give ZZ her heart medication! We are so grateful!

z  Shout out to Alex Bedatsky for conferencing with his students to go over their AIMS web+ scores and what they mean for reading success.

Teacher Olympics!