Mount Elden Minutes: April 14 2025

We’re in This Together: Collective Responsibility for Student Success

Last Friday I raised a school-wide concern about the large number of students who currently have failing grades. My intent was simple: to raise awareness and to set the stage for collaborative problem-solving. Unfortunately, I sensed some defensiveness in response, which I understand—conversations like these can be uncomfortable. But I want to take a moment to clarify where I’m coming from and why this matters so deeply.

When we identify a systemic issue, like a high number of failing students, it’s not about pointing fingers or assigning blame. It’s about coming together to ask, What can we do to help our students succeed? Yes, we do work with individual teachers when data shows a high failure rate in a specific classroom. That’s important. But it’s equally important to recognize that this isn’t just the responsibility of a few—it’s a shared responsibility.

Counselors, administrators, and families all play vital roles, but at the end of the day, we are all educators, and we all have students in our T-Bird classes. That means every one of us has an opportunity to support students who are struggling, no matter where they sit in our schedule.

This isn’t about lowering expectations—it’s about raising support. When a student is failing because they’ve shown no evidence of learning, that’s a red flag we must all respond to.

We need to ask:

What’s getting in the way of the student’s ability to turn in work?
What systems or supports might help them re-engage?
How can we, as a team, remove barriers to their success?

If my message in the meeting came across as anything other than a call for collective problem-solving, I want to sincerely apologize. That was never my intent. I’m happy to sit down and talk through how we might present these types of issues more effectively in the future—your insights matter.

But most importantly, I hope we can all return to the heart of this message: Our students need us—all of us. No one person or department can solve this alone. Let’s continue to work together, support one another, and stay focused on what truly matters—helping every student succeed.

Any ideas for a solution to this school wide issue please click here. Thank you for your attention to this issue and your ideas.

Reading Part 2

Tuesday April 15, 2025

Math Part 2

Wednesday April 16, 2025

Bell Schedule

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 Lexi: To Jen Federio! Jen has assisted the Red 6 team IMMENSELY with our Honors classes, creating a detailed Restorative Plan of Action to address behaviors and establish firm commitments using student friendly language. We are certain it will help us make big strides! Thank you SO much for all your hard work and time Jen. We are so very grateful for you!

From Heidi B: Lawrence: Always being willing to take care of what is needed.This week: Wasps in the greenhouse.

From Anonymous: This week I was reminded about how blessed we are to have the admin team that we do. The seen and unseen ways that they support MEMs is extraordinary.

From Lynn P: Renee Rios, Lisa Billie, and Cindy McCullom for their support during the AZSci assessments.

From Sara M: Ms. Olson has done a fantastic job with the rehearsals for the upcoming variety show. Spending extra hours working with students and getting them ready. Thank you for all that you do!

From Julia: Thank you to the 6th and 7th grade teams for your support of NJHS! We have some great candidates for next year! Thanks also to my co-sponsors Lexi and Jen F!

How to survive the last 6 weeks of school. CLICK HERE

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

Thunderbird Nest Please use the link here or at the top right side of the BLOG We will keep adding and improving

Friday Collaboration

District Collaboration Day

More information to come

TEAM CT MEETINGS

Testing Week AGAIN :)!

Meet when you can!

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.

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:

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

May 9 (make up snow day)

OVER 10% thresh hold:

April 18