Monday, January 27, 2025

Thank you for completing the surveys on the Blog the last two weeks.  All certified, license professional and classified employee need to complete the survey so we can begin planning for next year (links are below).   Administration takes your feedback seriously and are dedicated to supporting each of you.  




We have and continue to review you feedback.   We will be following up with each of you to ensure we have all the information we needed to continue to support you.  We will provide clarification on themes that have been identified in the results.  Thank you again for taking the time to complete the survey and provide us with feedback.  We can only learn and grow together when we seek information, reflect and respond on that information.  


Collaboration time sheet. You MUST use this timesheet for collaboration.  

GOALS:

ELA:  The percent of students scoring below mastery in reading for information on the AASA English Language Arts assessment will decrease by a minimum of 10% from the 2024-25 SY.  We have the opportunity to identify specific areas to target by analyzing the AASA blueprint and aligning our tier 1 units to the DOK level of AASA in all content areas.  


MATH:  Mount Elden Middle School student will increase student proficiency by 10% in math on the AASA math assessment the 2024-25 SY.  We have the opportunity to identify specific areas to target by analyzing the AASA blueprint and aligning our tier 1 units to the DOK level of AASA.  



COMPLETE THIS FORM 
TO GIVE A STAFF A SHOUT OUT!





From Tammy: To Claudia, Sharlie and Laura for organizing our Honor Roll Assembly last Friday.  178 students are on honor roll.  It was a wonder celebration with families.  

From Julia: Marie Olson is doing a great job with a ton of things that are hard for one person to do. Stuco and managing the Catalina trips are huge jobs. She is doing a great job, and I am really grateful for her. 

From David P: Shout out to Lawrence Watson for always thinking about ways to keep our students as safe as possible on our campus, and presenting safety information in a concise, explicit, and serious way.

From Brienne M: Thank you Tammy for being the crossing guard for our students (and others) on these super cold mornings! 

From Anonymous: Mikkel Gutzwiller for being an amazing staff member



Reading Fluency:  We know this is a lot!  Please reach out to the Lynns for any help.  They are here to support you.  


Theme from survey: More prep time on Fridays. We wanted to clarify the different between prep time and collaboration time on Friday.  Under policy middle school teachers must receive no less than 240 minutes of prep time per week.  Teachers at MEMS receive more than 240 minutes: 4 50 minute periods Mon-Thurs, 45 minutes on Friday (we typically do not start collaboration until 12:30, 25 min period on Fridays and 30 minutes before or after school when not on duty.  Our district had designated Friday as collaboration time and requires us to have a 45-60 minute period 1X per week.  We understand you have so much to do.  We are trying very hard to incorporate the work we need to do in our contract time so we do not have to meet after hours.  We also know there is new pressure and expectation with Project Momentum.  This being the first year, it can be a lot as we navigate it together.  The Leadership Team and the Guiding Collation we be meeting to determine next steps.   


Valentines Day:  Student deliveries and exchanging of gifts will not be allowed or accepted at school.  I will clearly communicate this to students and parents.  If any items show up at school please have students bring them to the office for storage.


NEED SUPPLIES?  Please complete the Supply Request form prior to getting your supplies.  This link is also on the Nest.   SUPPLY FORM


UPDATE on One Time Funds:  

  • Speakers in classrooms:  I am working with technology to determine the best speaker to work with your projectors, Apple TV and devices.  Stay Tuned!

Thunderbird Nest We will keep adding and improving

Friday Collaboration

11:35-12:30 Prep

SS, Science and ELA
Dr. Brian Taylor
12:45-2:45
Community Room

Math
Jane Gaun/Claudia
12:45-2:45
Bre Cheatwood's room

Electives
12:45-2:45
Media Library


JANUARY:

29: Lunar New Year: Year of the snake.


FEBRUARY:

    14 Valentine's Day
    17th Presidents Day No School
    21st District Collaboration Day

MARCH:
    
    5-7 Early Release 11:35 am Parent Teacher Conferences
    10th-14th Spring Break
    
Testing Dates

All tests will be scheduled in the morning with a modified bell schedule.

March 26 & 27       AZ Science             8th Grade ONLY
April 1 & 2              AASA Writing       ALL GRADES
April 8                   Reading Part 1     ALL GRADES
April 9        Math Part 1             ALL GRADES
April 15                  Reading Part 2       ALL GRADES
April 16      Math Part 2             ALL GRADES  

MAY:
8th Grade Promotion
    May 21st
    Blue Team     4:00 pm
    Red Team      6:00 pm

BLACKOUT DATES AND PROTOCOLS

As a reminder, the days before and after a holiday (see below) are blackout dates for ALL staff. (Classified, certified, and ancillary) 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.: 1) the day prior or subsequent to any scheduled holiday, 2) the first or last instructional week of the school year, 3) Parent/Teacher conference days, 4) make-up snow days, 5) testing days for test administrators and proctors, and 6) district wide staff development days.”


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 14, 18, 21

March 5,6,7, 17


Testing Days: 

March 26, 27 

April 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 


OVER 10% thresh hold:




Any questions or concerns? Please either see Maddie or Christy, you also fill this out! 

Teachers' Rights Chair: Christy Weide


No comments:

Post a Comment

May 19, 2025

  Collaboration this opportunities this week: Staff Meeting  Tuesday: 11:50-12:30  MPR  End of Year review  ACCEPTING APPLICATION  NOW for t...