December 1, 2025

 

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 scores.

FRIDAY COLLABORATION

Whole Collaboration/Book Study (SEE BELOW)

1:30-2:30

DEPARTMENT MEETINGS 

2:45-4:00 

MEMS was featured in the Arizona Daily Sun regarding our letter grade and growth.  CLICK HERE to view the article. 

BENCHMARK TESTING this week, see schedule below!

PAPER AND PRINTING:  Reminder please make sure when you print it is what you need and you are not waisting paper.  We have used 3 palette's of paper so far that is the equivalent of $5500.    

FUSD NEWSLETTER:  Please check out the newest edition of the FUSD Newsletter.  MEMS is feature several times: Mr. Pichske for Innovation Station, Alexander Leathers for winner the digital citizen sticker contest for the middle level, Molly Lesandrini for being awarded a FUSD Foundation Grant and Lisa Billie Indigenous Dance Fest.   

Finals:  December 17-19

• Final test/projects are expected on these half days.  Please begin planning as we will are expected to collect data on the types of finals we are having at MEMS.  
• The high expectations are expected to be high so students are clear these are days they need to attend to complete the finals.  Exceptions for make-ups will be discussed this Friday.  
• GRADES:  DUE by 2:45 on December 19.  Grades must be verified by Sharlie prior to you leaving at 4:00 pm.   

TOYS for TOTS:  Our local Toys for Tots is in need of new unwrapped toys.  Nationally Toys for Tots has received less donations than ever.  MEMS will be hosting a toy drive to assist.  Instead of doing Secret Santa this year, we are asking that each person donate one new unwrapped toy by Monday December 15th.  Box will be in the front office. Thank you!

We are still need of a paid morning duty person-8:30-8:50.  Please contact Morgan.  

   

 

Read Chapters 1 & 2 (pg 11-56)

 December 5 

Magical Staff on the Week: Val Hardin

December 

• December 3, 4, 5
• Benchmark Testing 
• Schedule 
• December 4
• Night of Plays 6:00 pm
• December 5
• Book Study-Chapters 1 & 2
• December 9:
• Student Art Showcase 5:00 pm
• Orchestra Concert 6:00 pm
• December 10
• Student Art Showcase 5:00 pm
• Band and Choir t 6:00 pm
• December 17-19 
• Final schedule early release 12:45 pm each day
• Finals Schedule
• December 22-January 2
• Winter Break 

January

• January 19
• MLK Holiday

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 December 1, 19 January 5, 16, 20 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 Emma G: To the AMAZING Social Studies department! You all work so hard and I am so proud of  the work we were able to get done during last Friday's collaboration :)

From Anonymous:  Shout out to Lynn G and Jacquie M for making benchmark testing so easy and smooth!  

From Tammy N:  Morgan you are crushing it your first year.  Thank you for your attention to detail and always putting student experiences first!

From Heidi: Social committee- Amazing job  organizing the staff Thanksgiving lunch! 

Terrific ESS team- we are so lucky to have each and every one of you and I appreciate the way you care for our students!

From Beth C:  Kelsea Durham has been an outstanding student teacher this semester! Her unique teaching style engages all students and invigorates our learning environment! Kelsea is a catch, and wherever she lands the students will be blessed with an amazing teacher!