Mount Elden Minutes

Over spring break, I had the privilege of attending the National School Leader Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., as the state coordinator for the Arizona School Administrators Association. With over 400 school leaders from across the country, the conference focused on learning how to effectively advocate for public education funding on Capitol Hill.

This year, we set a record for the most scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill in the history of the conference. My group had the opportunity to meet with Senator Mark Kelly and Representative Ruben Gallego, where we engaged in meaningful discussions about critical issues impacting Arizona’s schools. We specifically addressed Title I and IDEA funding, the necessity of free and reduced meals, the immigration fears affecting our students and families, teacher salaries, and the impact of vouchers on our state’s education system.

This experience reinforced the power of collective advocacy. Now, more than ever, educators must come together to support one another and champion the needs of our students. One thing remains certain—educators will always do what is best for students. Take care of each other!

Wednesday and Thursday
WED Bell Schedule
THURS BELL Schedule

No bells will ring on these days. Please set alarms for your classes to move.

Please note Wed we have 2 tests therefore we will make an announcement to dismiss for lunch.

Testing location and Teacher assignments will be sent out prior to testing!

Conference Data Needed: Complete this Form by the end of the day on Friday March 28th

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 Marie O: I am so fortunate to have such a complementary group of teachers on my team! I am truly inspired every day and admire your dedication to our students and to each other's needs. Go Jenny Bain, Donald P, Kacie, Barry, and Tony!

From Anonymous: Linda Murdoch is a wonderful counselor and so helpful in doing whatever needs to be done for students so they can be successful. We are so lucky to have her!

From Ben: George Moate, Jen Federio and Jordan Paschen for their consistent patience with some of our kids having struggles with myriad behaviors here at school.

UDl

The Library received a $500 grant for new books!

Way to go!

April 21 and May 9th - Snow Day Make Up day- This is now a work day :(

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

Team CTs

On your own testing week

Staff Meeting

12:45-1:15

in the MPR

Lawrence and Lynn P

Department CT's

1:15-2:45

Continue unit work with formative and summative assessments

MARCH:

April:

Snow day make up #1 day-April 21 is NOW a work day.

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 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

Due to the schedule we will only provide mints during testing, snacks will not be needed as we do not have 2 tests on the same day.

MAY:

Snow day make up #2 day May 9 is NOW a work day.

Grades:

Due May 22, 2025
Teachers verify grades on May 23. (May 23 is a full contract day)
May 19-22 is Finals Week

It is the expectation from the District that instruction occurs everyday when students are in school. Grade cannot be due the week before as finals are the last week.

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:

Testing Days:

March 26, 27

April 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21 (make up snow day)

May 9 (make up snow day)

OVER 10% thresh hold: