March 15, 2026

 

The history behind St. Patrick's Day 

 

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.

MEMS collaboration hours:

We have recently been approved for additional hours. I will be reaching out to you this week regarding the work. Please keep in mind this work must done outside of contract time. Contract time is defined as: 8:30 am-4:00 pm.

All collaboration hours must be completed by May 21, 2026.

Approved outside of work collaboration hours @ $40 per hour:

Thursday March 19

8th graders ONLY!

Details will come out on Monday!

The alternate testing schedule will affect only 8th graders. Sixth and Seventh graders will be on a regular schedule.

Please remind all students to use the restroom and water fountains closest to their room. Please practice quiet hallway behavior on all testing days.

  Dr Taylor will be visiting. Jacquie will send out              information.

Team meeting this week, clarifying testing               expectations.

Schools to Watch site visit: ALL staff meeting          @ 3:40 in the MPR room. District superintendents         and directors will be covering our duties.

TO DOs:

• Please complete your AASA training and send your confirmation to Lynn.
• Parent Teacher Conference Data
• DUE Thursday March 18, 2026
• https://forms.gle/3VLFKSTtrbogNgUX7

    

Site Visit: WEDNESDAY!

The purpose of the Schools to Watch site visit is to verify the information and claims presented in the school's application. Through classroom observations, document review, and conversations with staff and students, the visiting team confirms that the practices described in the application are evident in daily practice and align with the Schools to Watch criteria.

MEMS Application

Please review prior to the visit

We will send a final schedule and additional information via email.  

ALL STAFF MEETING 

3:40-4:10 

MPR 

FRIDAY COLLABORATION

District Department meeting day

Team CT (if needed)

1:30- 2:15 pm

Department CT 

2:30-4:00

2:30-3:00- Department info

3:00-4:00

Grade level content teachers collaboration/planning

Build common formative assessment.  We will be bringing data to our weekly meetings to compare and adjust. 

 

Chapter 3 & 4 March 27 

Magical Staff on the Week: Andrew Brooks!  

March:

• 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
• ELA Benchmark Testing 

May:

• May 5 & 6 
• MATH 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 16, 19, 24 April 7, 8, 14, 15, 20 May 8, 21 OVER 10% thresh hold:

This section appears in the BLOG every spring to provide information regarding district positions and information and site positions.  

MEMS: 

• Leaving at the end of the 2025-2026 school year

• Sara McDermott
• Kacie Sloan
• Lora Lorentson
• Hesper Petersen
• Lynn Patton- retiring
• Miss Ellen-retiring 

• Changes to staffing for the 2025-2026 school year

• Instructional coaches will be overseen at the district level not the site level.  Secondary schools were each given a 1.0 fte for coaches.  That will be reduced and coaches will be assigned through the district based on need.  
• Instructional specialist position at MEMS has been reduced due to declining enrollment.  

FUSD:

•  Executive Director of Operations Services & Safety
• Tadd Ragan approved at the Feb 24 FUSD Board meeting 
• Begins July 1, 2026
• Coconino High School Principal 
• Posted 
• Knoles principal position:
• Pete Galvin retiring 
• New candidate should be on the March 24 FUSD Board Meeting 
• FHS Assistant Principal position
• The athletic director position has moved to an assistant principal position to ensure candidates have required licensure through ADE. 
• New candidate should be on the March 24 FUSD Board Meeting 

Do you have a SHOUT OUT for a fellow colleague?  

CLICK HERE 

From Anyonomous: June, Orchard, and McGregor did a fantastic job on the assembly this week! Our kids LOVED it...thank you for all of the work that you put in. It was streamlined and AWESOME!! Thank you!

From Anyonomous: We are blessed with our leadership here at MEMS.  We grow and lead in the district because of the small and large decisions they make for us daily.  THANK YOU!!

From Anyonomous: I know it was posted last time, but a huge THANK YOU to our fabulous elective teachers for organizing the cultural assembly. It was an important and enjoyable experience for the kids!

From Aubrey: Thank you Jenny Stearns for your positivity and support. I know that I can call her and she will be there to help. She recently saved my entire lesson plan while I was having a technology issue. Go Jenny!

March 1, 2026

FULL MOON ALERT 

On March 3, 2026, the Moon will slip completely into Earth’s darkest shadow and reappear bathed in deep crimson and copper hues. This unforgettable “Blood Moon” occurs when sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, filtering out blue light and allowing warm red tones to wash across the lunar surface. The result is dramatic, rare, and breathtaking.

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 SPRING 2026 PTC MASTER SHEET 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.

MARCH 9-13

ENJOY!

     TO DO: Please complete your AASA training               and send your confirmation to Lynn.

    Tuesday:

       Lunar Eclipse: See email from Lisa Billie 2/25

  

    

NO COLLABORATION

Parent Teacher Conferences

Site Visit: MARCH 18TH 

 

Chapter 3 & 4 will be rescheduled 

Magical Staff on the Week: Laura Joy!

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 Administration:  Thank you elective teachers for an amazing Cultural Assembly.  It was amazing!!!!!!

From Administration:  Thank you Jacquie for supporting the performers with amazing sound!!!!!!

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

From Leah:  Shout out to Ellen and Laura Joy! They are always so helpful with projects we have in the library and new or withdrawing students. The two of you are wonderful people to work with.

From Molly:  Renee Rios - Thank you so much for your guidance during 8th grade registration. You made it simple and easy and thought of everything to help it all make sense to students. I really appreciate your leadership with registration! Thank you!

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 SPRING 2026 PTC MASTER SHEET 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!!